LA County Cities That Require Presale Inspections: The Complete List

One of the surprises many sellers encounter when listing a home in Los Angeles County is discovering that their city requires a formal inspection report — ordered through the city itself — before escrow can close. These are separate from your standard home inspection and buyer's due diligence. They are city-mandated, seller-paid obligations that vary significantly from one municipality to the next.

Some cities require a full on-site inspection by a city inspector. Others simply do a records check. Some charge hundreds of dollars; others charge nothing. And some — like the City of Los Angeles — require multiple reports from different departments.

Missing or delaying these reports is one of the most common causes of escrow delays in Los Angeles. This guide gives you the full picture, updated for 2025.

Statewide Requirements — These Apply Everywhere

Before getting into city-specific requirements, it's important to know that California state law imposes baseline obligations on every seller, regardless of city:

• Smoke detectors — required in each bedroom, in the hallway outside bedrooms, and on every floor. Battery-only units must contain a sealed 10-year battery (required since 2014).
• Carbon monoxide detectors — required on every level and outside each sleeping area. Required if the home has a fireplace, gas appliances, or an attached garage.
• Water heater double strapping — required statewide for seismic safety.
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures — homes built before January 1, 1994 must have water-conserving toilets (≤1.6 gpf), showerheads (≤2.5 gpm), and faucets (≤2.2 gpm) at or before the time of sale.

These state requirements exist on top of any city-level requirements. Even if your city is not on the list below, these items still apply to your sale.

The City of Los Angeles 9A Report

The most common presale report in the county is the 9A Residential Property Report, required by the City of Los Angeles — including neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Koreatown, Brentwood, Van Nuys, Venice, and hundreds of others. This is a records-only check that discloses what's on file with the Department of Building and Safety regarding permits and code compliance.

Key facts about the 9A Report:

• Fee: approximately $70.85 per parcel
• Turnaround: typically 7–10 business days
• Valid for 6 months from date of issuance
• Original seller signatures required on the application
• Residential properties only

City of LA sellers must also obtain a Water Conservation Certificate of Compliance from the DWP, certifying low-flow plumbing compliance. This can be signed by a licensed retrofit inspector, a licensed plumbing contractor, or a licensed real estate agent — plus both buyer and seller.

LA County Cities With Presale Requirements (2025)

The table below covers all cities in LA County with active presale report or inspection requirements. Click any city name to visit the relevant city or department page. Fees are approximate — always verify current requirements directly with the city's Building & Safety Department before listing.