Brief

The Los Angeles Housing Department has submitted documents regarding 227 South Reno Street (APN 5155-006-005) as part of a REAP (Real Estate Acquisition Program or similar housing initiative). The file was introduced May 18, 2026, and referred to Council the following day. The matter remains open and pending further committee or council action.

Full summary

The Los Angeles Housing Department is asking City Council to remove the six-unit rental property at 227 South Reno Street, owned by the Balubhai Patel Trust, from the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP). REAP is a city enforcement tool that places substandard rental buildings under a rent-reduction and escrow regime, directing a portion of tenant rents into a controlled account until the owner brings the property up to code. The property was enrolled in REAP on July 22, 2025, after LAHD's Code Enforcement Division cited 46 violations spanning structural hazards, fire warning devices, sanitation, weatherproofing, maintenance, electrical systems, plumbing and gas, and heating and ventilation. All six units were affected. LAHD is now recommending removal because all cited violations have been corrected, all outstanding utility charges have been paid to LADWP, and tenant advocacy contractor Inquilinos Unidos has provided an advisory opinion confirming completion of the work. The proposed resolution directs Council to formally terminate the rent reductions, with rents to be restored to their original levels 30 days after LAHD notifies tenants by mail. LAHD would also record a certificate with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office terminating the REAP designation on the property. On the financial side, escrow funds would be disbursed in a set order: first to cover LAHD administrative fees, then any outstanding code enforcement penalties, then any unpaid rent registration fees under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, with any remainder returned to the landlord. As a condition of removal, the property owner must prepay LAHD for two years of follow-up annual inspections beyond the standard Systematic Code Enforcement Program schedule, and LAHD will conduct an expedited systematic inspection of the building. The file was submitted May 18, 2026, referred to Council on May 19, and was targeted for the May 27, 2026 Council meeting agenda. Council approval remains pending. The notification was sent to Council Member Hugo Soto-Martinez, whose 13th District includes the property.

Activity (2)

• 2026-05-19 Los Angeles Housing Department document(s) referred to Council.
• 2026-05-18 Document submitted by Los Angeles Housing Department, dated May 18, 2026.

Documents (1)

• 2026-05-18 Report from Los Angeles Housing Department · report