Selling your Los Feliz home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. The fastest way to keep escrow on track is to handle the City of Los Angeles point‑of‑sale requirements before you list or as soon as you open escrow. In this guide, you will learn exactly what the city expects, which inspections to order, what they cost, and when to file each form so you can close on time with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What Los Feliz sellers must provide
Los Feliz sits inside the City of Los Angeles, which means two key point‑of‑sale items usually apply to your transfer:
- Report of Residential Property Records (RPR, Form 9A). The seller must obtain and deliver this city report, which summarizes permit history and compliance declarations. See the city’s overview of the process in the City of Los Angeles requirements when selling and the legal rules in the Los Angeles Municipal Code. (requirements when selling, LAMC §96.300 et seq.)
- LADWP Water Conservation Certificate. A short Certificate of Compliance confirms low‑flow plumbing fixtures meet city standards. It is typically prepared by a licensed retrofitter and filed during escrow. There is a small filing fee that is commonly $15. (LADBS overview, retrofit how‑to)
Tip: Start both items early. Processing the RPR and scheduling a retrofit inspection are among the most common sources of last‑minute delays if left to the end of escrow. (process timing insights)
Retrofit items inspectors check
Licensed retrofitters and the city’s processes commonly verify a short list of life‑safety and conservation features at transfer:
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms where required
- Water heater bracing and strapping
- Low‑flow toilets and showerheads
- Impact‑hazard glazing or approved safety film for sliding glass and shower doors
- Seismic gas shutoff valve when triggered by applicable work or permits
- Security lighting and locks for multi‑unit properties
These items are outlined in city resources that cover safety and conservation retrofit measures. (LADBS safety and conservation)
Who pays and typical costs
- Municipal fees. Expect a city application fee for the RPR and a small LADWP filing fee for the water conservation certificate. Confirm current amounts with LADBS and LADWP before you list. (requirements when selling)
- Minor fixes. Swapping batteries or devices, strapping a water heater, and simple low‑flow updates often total about tens to a few hundred dollars for a typical single‑family home. (retrofit cost overview)
- Larger items. Safety glazing work, approved film, or installing a seismic gas shutoff valve can run into the low to high thousands depending on scope. (safety measures detail)
- Custom in LA. Sellers commonly pay for the retrofit inspection and smaller mandated items to certify compliance, but this is negotiable and often addressed in the purchase contract. Lenders can require remediation as a condition of funding. (practical guidance)
Your step‑by‑step compliance plan
Follow this order to reduce surprises and protect your timeline.
Pre‑listing
- Confirm your property is inside the City of Los Angeles so city rules apply. (requirements when selling)
- Schedule a licensed retrofit inspection to identify any required items and to prepare the LADWP Certificate of Compliance. Many firms offer same‑day service. (retrofit how‑to)
- Check permit history. The RPR will surface permits, so review what you can and be ready to disclose unpermitted work if it exists. (LAMC reference)
In escrow
- Submit the RPR (Form 9A) application and deliver the report to the buyer within the required timing. (requirements when selling)
- File the LADWP Water Conservation Certificate and pay the filing fee. Your retrofitter or a qualified contractor typically signs the form. (retrofit how‑to)
- Compile and deliver disclosures: the Natural Hazard Disclosure report, Transfer Disclosure Statement, and the federal lead‑based paint pamphlet and disclosure for pre‑1978 homes. Include any available termite or WDO reports if relevant to financing or your agreement. (NHD basics, TDS overview, lead rule, WDO practice)
- Complete agreed repairs or negotiate escrow holdbacks or time extensions for larger work, especially if your buyer’s lender conditions require it. (WDO practice)
Immediately before close
- Confirm escrow has the original RPR and LADWP Certificate of Compliance or filing confirmations.
- Deliver all signed disclosures and certificates to escrow and the buyer, and keep copies of invoices and permits for the buyer’s file. (requirements when selling)
How this affects escrow timing
The RPR and retrofit paperwork are the most frequent causes of preventable delays. Order the retrofit inspection when you list or on acceptance, then submit the RPR application right away. Same‑day inspections are common, but larger fixes like safety glazing, film application, or gas valve work can take several days to weeks. Build that cushion into your timeline so loan docs and contingencies stay on track. (timing insights)
State and federal disclosures you still need
City point‑of‑sale items do not replace California and federal disclosures. Expect to provide:
- Natural Hazard Disclosure report. Standardized hazard zones and related notices. (NHD basics)
- Transfer Disclosure Statement. Disclose known material facts and conditions. (TDS overview)
- Lead‑based paint documents for pre‑1978 homes. Provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet and the lead disclosure, and allow the buyer a 10‑day opportunity for inspection unless waived. (lead rule)
- Termite or WDO report if required by the loan. Many lenders, including VA, may require a current report or clearance. (WDO practice)
Sewer laterals in Los Angeles
Some California cities require private sewer lateral certifications at sale. The City of Los Angeles does not maintain a single universal citywide sewer lateral point‑of‑sale program. Property owners generally maintain their laterals, and requirements vary by municipality. If a lender or neighboring jurisdiction sets a condition, address it in the contract with your buyer. (LA Bureau reference)
Pro tips for a smooth close
- Start early. Order the retrofit inspection and RPR as soon as you go live or accept an offer.
- Document everything. Keep invoices, permits, and retrofit certificates organized for escrow.
- Confirm jurisdiction. Most of Los Feliz is in the City of Los Angeles. When in doubt, verify before relying on city rules. (requirements when selling)
- Align with the lender. If financing is involved, ask your agent and escrow to confirm any lender conditions early.
Quick seller checklist
- Verify the property is inside the City of Los Angeles
- Order a licensed retrofit inspection and prepare the LADWP Certificate of Compliance
- Apply for the RPR and plan for processing time
- Compile NHD, TDS, and, if applicable, lead‑based paint documents
- Address required or negotiated repairs, or set an escrow holdback if needed
- Deliver the RPR and LADWP certificates to escrow before close
Ready to sell in Los Feliz with fewer surprises and a smoother close? Our boutique team combines deep neighborhood knowledge with hands‑on prep and coordination, so your compliance pieces do not derail your marketing or your escrow. If you want a tailored plan for your property, reach out to Mark Mintz.
FAQs
What is the City of Los Angeles RPR 9A report for home sellers?
- It is a city report that summarizes permit history and includes compliance declarations that the seller must deliver to the buyer as part of a Los Angeles home sale. (LAMC reference)
What is the LADWP Water Conservation Certificate during escrow?
- It certifies that toilets, showerheads, and other fixtures meet low‑flow standards and is typically filed in escrow with a small fee. (requirements when selling)
Which safety retrofits are usually checked when selling in Los Feliz?
- Common items include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water heater strapping, low‑flow fixtures, impact‑hazard glazing or film, and sometimes a seismic gas shutoff valve when required. (LADBS safety and conservation)
Do I need a termite or WDO inspection to sell my Los Angeles home?
- California does not mandate a termite report for every sale, but many lenders, including VA, may require one as a loan condition. (WDO practice)
Are sewer lateral certifications required at point of sale in Los Angeles?
- The City of Los Angeles does not have a single universal citywide point‑of‑sale program for private sewer laterals. Requirements vary by area and lender, so confirm with escrow. (LA Bureau reference)
