Brief

The Los Angeles Housing Department has initiated a file concerning 418 1/2 East 51st Street (APN 5109-023-030), likely related to the city's Residential Earthquake Retrofit Assistance Program (REAP) or a similar housing initiative. The matter was referred to the Housing Committee on September 9 and is scheduled for committee hearing on September 16, 2026. The specific project details and Housing Department recommendations are not yet detailed in the activity log.

Full summary

The six-unit rental property at 418 1/2 East 51st Street in South Los Angeles, owned by Wanda Investment LLC, was placed into the Rent Escrow Account Program in January 2026 after city inspectors cited 28 code violations across two units. The violations covered a broad range of habitability issues including fire warning devices, sanitation, weatherproofing, electrical systems, plumbing and gas, and heating and ventilation. Under REAP, tenants in the affected units pay reduced rent into a city-held escrow account rather than directly to the landlord, creating a financial incentive for owners to bring properties into compliance. The Los Angeles Housing Department is now asking City Council to close the REAP case because all cited violations have been corrected. LAHD's Code Enforcement Division independently verified the repairs, the property owner has cleared any outstanding utility charges with LADWP, and the nonprofit Coalition for Economic Survival provided an advisory opinion confirming completion of the work. LAHD General Manager Tiena Johnson Hall, through Director Marcella H. DeShurley, submitted the removal recommendation on September 8, 2026, requesting Council action at its September 30, 2026 meeting. If Council approves the resolution, several actions would follow: tenant rents would be restored to their original levels 30 days after LAHD mails written notice; the REAP lien recorded against the property would be formally released with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office; and escrow funds would be disbursed in priority order — covering LAHD administrative fees, outstanding code enforcement penalties, and any unpaid rent registration fees — with any remaining balance returned to the landlord. LAHD would also conduct an expedited follow-up inspection and require the owner to prepay fees for two additional annual inspections as a compliance safeguard. The file was referred to the Housing Committee on September 9, 2026, and remains pending there. Council Member Curren D. Price, Jr., whose Ninth District includes the property, was separately notified of the recommendation.

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 8, 2026.

Documents (1)

• 2026-09-08 Report from Los Angeles Housing Department · report