Seismic Retrofit Rules for LA Apartment Buildings

The City of Los Angeles requires certain older apartment buildings to be seismically strengthened. Buyers and lenders always check retrofit status, so it is one of the first things to confirm before you sell.

Soft-story wood-frame buildings

The city's mandatory soft-story program covers wood-frame buildings with a weak first story (often tuck-under parking) built under permits from before 1978, with two or more stories and five or more units. Owners received orders from LADBS and had to complete retrofits on a set schedule. Most buildings in the program have been retrofitted, but some remain in compliance or extension status.

Non-ductile concrete buildings

Concrete buildings built under permits from before 1977 are covered by a separate program with a longer timeline, generally 25 years from the order to complete the work. These projects are larger and more expensive, and buyers will look closely at engineering reports and cost estimates.

Sharing costs with tenants

For RSO units, the city allows owners to pass through part of the retrofit cost to tenants as a monthly surcharge over a set number of years, subject to a cap and an application to LAHD. Rules and limits are set by the city, so confirm the current program before applying.

How it affects a sale

• Completed retrofit: have the certificate of occupancy or LADBS sign-off ready. It removes a major buyer question.
• Open order: buyers will discount for the work and the time. Getting engineering plans and a contractor bid first can protect your price.
• Not on the list: a quick LADBS records check confirms it.

Not sure where your building stands? We check retrofit status as part of every free valuation.

Common questions

Which LA apartment buildings need a soft-story retrofit?

Wood-frame buildings with a weak first story, built under permits from before 1978, with two or more stories and five or more units.

Can I sell a building that has not been retrofitted yet?

Yes. Buyers will price in the cost and time of the work, so having plans and bids ready helps protect your price.