Brief

The Los Angeles Housing Department initiated this file on May 18, 2026, regarding 1342 South Ogden Drive (APN 5086-016-021), likely a real estate matter under the REAP (Real Estate Asset Program) framework. The file was referred to Council on May 19, 2026, and remains open. The substantive nature of the proposed action is not yet clear from the available documents; additional details would depend on Housing Department submissions to Council.

Full summary

The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) is asking the City Council to remove the four-unit rental property at 1342 South Ogden Drive from the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP) and end the rent reductions imposed on its tenants. REAP is a city enforcement tool that reduces rents and diverts them into a city-held escrow account when a landlord fails to correct serious housing code violations. The property, owned by Esther Cohen, was placed into REAP in July 2023 after LAHD's Code Enforcement Division cited 20 violations covering fire warning devices, sanitation, weatherproofing, maintenance, electrical systems, plumbing and gas, and illegal construction. LAHD has determined that all cited violations have been corrected. The property owner has also cleared any outstanding utility charges with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the contractor Strategic Actions for a Just Economy has provided an advisory opinion confirming the work is complete. With those requirements satisfied, LAHD says the property meets the conditions for REAP exit under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 162.08. If the Council approves the resolution, several things happen in sequence: rent reductions are terminated and tenants' rents are restored to original levels 30 days after LAHD mails them formal notice; the REAP escrow account is closed and its funds are disbursed first to cover LAHD administrative fees, outstanding code enforcement penalties, and any unpaid rent registration fees, with any remainder returned to the landlord; and LAHD records a certificate with the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office removing the REAP encumbrance from the property title. The resolution also requires the property owner to prepay LAHD for two future annual inspections as a post-REAP monitoring condition. The file was submitted May 18, 2026, referred to Council the following day, and was slated to be heard at the May 27, 2026 Council meeting. It remains open pending Council action. The matter falls within the Tenth District, represented by Councilmember Heather Hutt.

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