Brief

The Los Angeles Housing Department has submitted a file regarding 136 East Avenue 44 (APN 5467-004-007) under the REAP (Real Estate Acquisition Program or similar affordable housing initiative). The file was referred to the Housing Committee on September 9, 2026, and is scheduled for committee discussion on September 16, 2026. The matter remains pending before the committee.

Full summary

The Rent Escrow Account Program is a city enforcement tool that responds to serious housing code violations by requiring tenants to pay reduced rent into a city-held escrow account rather than directly to a landlord, creating a financial incentive for property owners to make repairs. This file covers the exit of 136 East Avenue 44 from that program after the landlord came into compliance. The four-unit property, owned by Ruben Sanchez, was enrolled in REAP in January 2022 following a plumbing and gas violation cited by LAHD's Code Enforcement Division. One of the four units was subject to the rent reduction and escrow arrangement. LAHD has since independently verified that the violation was corrected, and the property owner has also satisfied any outstanding utility charges with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The tenant advocacy contractor Inquilinos Unidos provided an advisory opinion confirming completion of the work. LAHD is now requesting Council approval to terminate the rent reduction and close the escrow account. Under the proposed resolution, rents would be restored to their original levels 30 days after LAHD notifies tenants in writing. Escrowed funds would be disbursed in a set order: first to cover LAHD administrative fees and penalties, then any outstanding code enforcement fees, then any unpaid rent registration fees under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, with any remainder returned to the landlord. LAHD would also record a certificate with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office formally ending the REAP designation on the property's title. As a condition of removal, the property owner must prepay LAHD for two future annual inspections beyond the standard Systematic Code Enforcement Program fee, and LAHD will conduct an expedited follow-up inspection. The file was referred to the Housing Committee on September 9, 2026, with a council hearing targeted for September 30, 2026. No committee or full council action has been recorded yet.

Activity (3)

• 2026-09-11 Housing Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 16, 2026.
• 2026-09-09 Los Angeles Housing Department document(s) referred to Housing Committee.
• 2026-09-08 Document submitted by Los Angeles Housing Department, dated September 4, 2026.

Documents (1)

• 2026-09-04 Report from Los Angeles Housing Department · report