A private contractor cannot assign, remove or promise a change in the property’s LAHD tier. Use the notice and LAHD records for the official status, then address recurring conditions with durable repairs and documentation.
01
Know the basic two-tier framework
LAHD’s current inspection information describes Tier I inspections at least every four years and Tier II inspections every two years. Agency criteria and the individual property history control where a property is placed.
- Tier I: the standard longer cycle described by LAHD.
- Tier II: a shorter two-year cycle.
- Complaint or other inspections can still occur outside the routine cycle.
- Check current LAHD guidance and the actual notice.
02
Look for recurring causes in the property history
Historical City materials associate the shorter cycle with poor maintenance, multiple citations or complaints and failure to resolve violations on time. Owners should treat repeated symptoms as a building-management problem rather than an isolated inspection-day task.
- Repeated leaks or moisture damage.
- Recurring life-safety or access failures.
- Incomplete or superficial prior repairs.
- Missed deadlines and unresolved items.
03
Build a durable correction record
A location-based maintenance and correction record can help the owner see whether the same condition returns. It should connect the observation, cause investigation, authorized work and follow-up—not merely store a final photograph.
- Date and location of each condition.
- Underlying cause when known.
- Contractor, permit or specialist record.
- Follow-up check after repair.
04
Use readiness work between notices
A two-year cycle makes preventive review more useful. Test and observe conditions before the mailed notice period becomes the only available preparation time.
- Life-safety device checks.
- Common-area and exterior walks.
- Leak and moisture follow-up.
- Permit records for altered spaces.
05
Ask LAHD about the official tier
If the owner disputes or does not understand the tier, use the contact information and official LAHD channels. A private readiness report can document current visible conditions but cannot change the agency record.
- Keep the latest notice and prior orders.
- Write down the specific tier question.
- Request agency clarification when needed.
- Do not market a private review as City certification.
Official references
Verify the current City process.
Agency requirements can change. The notice for the specific property and current agency guidance control over this general guide.