Earthquake retrofitting is mandatory when selling a house in Los Angeles.
If you are planning on selling your home in Los Angeles, you are responsible for performing a retrofit.
The City of Los Angeles Retrofitting Code Requirements are mandatory to close your escrow.
What does a retrofit include?
The following items are required to be retrofitted in a single family home*:
- Gas Shut-off Valve (SGSOV)
- Water Heater Double Strapping
- High Efficiency Toilets
- Low-Flow Shower Heads
- Smoke Detectors
- CO Detectors
- Impact Hazard Safety Glazing
- Emergency Escape Windows/Doors
Apartments (properties with 3+ dwellings) are required to also have:
- Security Lighting and Locks
Lastly, you will need the following documentation:
- DWP Certificate of Compliance (COC)
- Report of Residential Property Records (Form 9A or RPR)
Do-it-yourself or hire it out?
While this is not necessarily a small task to accomplish all that is required, these can be done by a seller who is comfortable with them. Or you can hire companies to retrofit for you. These companies are not cheap, but guarantee their work, nonetheless.
The Earthquake Retrofit is Mandatory When You Sell Your House in Los Angeles
These retrofit requirements are mandatory when you are selling your home, except when the sale is due to foreclosure, short sale, probate, or some other type of distress.
Luckily, there are exceptions. When I buy a property in Los Angeles, or an unincorporated neighborhood in LA, the seller is not required to complete any of the retrofit requirements, as I will complete the retrofit after I take ownership of the property. That’s why selling a house fast for cash and without any repairs, including mandatory ones, can be appealing to many.
Want to know exactly what is required for each of the above items? Download the list of requirements with additional notes to educate you on what exactly is needed for the retrofit.