ARTICLE 3. Actions and Proceedings [17980. - 17992.]

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC 3.
in effect

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980. Section 17980.

(a) If a building is constructed, altered, converted, or maintained in violation of any provision of, or in violation of any order or notice that gives a reasonable time to correct that violation issued by an enforcement agency pursuant to this part, the building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, municipal code, or other rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this part, or if a nuisance exists in a building or upon the lot on which it is situated, the enforcement agency shall, after 30 days’ notice to abate the nuisance or violation, or a notice to abate with a shorter period of time if deemed necessary by the enforcement agency to prevent or remedy an immediate threat to the health and safety of the occupants of the building, nearby residents, or the public, institute appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation or nuisance. Notwithstanding the above, if a person has purchased and is in the process of diligently abating any violation at a residential property that had been foreclosed on or after January 1, 2008, an enforcement agency shall not commence an action or proceeding until at least 60 days after the person takes title to the property, unless a shorter period of time is deemed necessary by the enforcement agency, in its sole discretion, to prevent or remedy an immediate threat to the health and safety of the neighboring community, public, or occupants of the structure. (b) If an entity releases a lien securing a deed of trust or mortgage on a property for which a notice of pendency of action, as defined in Section 405.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, has been recorded against the property by an enforcement agency pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 17985 of the Health and Safety Code or Section 405.7 or 405.20 of the Code of Civil Procedure, it shall notify in writing the enforcement agency that issued the order or notice within 30 days of releasing the lien. (c) (1) Whenever the enforcement agency has inspected or caused to be inspected a building and has determined that the building is a substandard building or a building described in Section 17920.10, the enforcement agency shall commence proceedings to abate the violation by repair, rehabilitation, vacation, or demolition of the building. The enforcement agency shall not require the vacating of a residential building unless it concurrently requires expeditious demolition or repair to comply with this part, the building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, or other rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this part. The owner shall have the choice of repairing or demolishing. However, if the owner chooses to repair, the enforcement agency shall require that the building be brought into compliance according to a reasonable and feasible schedule for expeditious repair. The enforcement agency may require vacation and demolition or may itself vacate the building, repair, demolish, or institute any other appropriate action or proceeding, if any of the following occurs: (A) The repair work is not done within the period required by the notice. (B) The owner does not make a timely choice of repair or demolition. (C) The owner selects an option that cannot be completed within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the enforcement agency, for any reason, including, but not limited to, an outstanding judicial or administrative order. (2) In deciding whether to require vacation of the building or to repair as necessary, the enforcement agency shall give preference to the repair of the building whenever it is economically feasible to do so without having to repair more than 75 percent of the dwelling, as determined by the enforcement agency, and shall give full consideration to the needs for housing as expressed in the local jurisdiction’s housing element. (3) If the enforcement agency determines that a building or portion thereof is substandard under this section based solely on the building or portion thereof being illegally occupied, the enforcement agency shall not commence court proceedings to abate the violation by repair if all of the following conditions are met: (A) The owner declares under penalty of perjury that the occupant is illegally occupying the building. (B) The owner filed and is diligently prosecuting an unlawful detainer action against the occupant or the occupant is being removed pursuant to Section 602 of the Penal Code. (C) The enforcement agency determines the building poses no risk to tenants, nearby residents, or the public. (d) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (c) and notwithstanding local ordinances, tenants in a residential building shall be provided copies of any of the following: (A) The notice of a violation described in subdivision (a) that affects the health and safety of the occupants and that causes the building to be substandard pursuant to Section 17920.3 or in violation of Section 17920.10. (B) An order of the code enforcement agency issued after inspection of the premises declaring the dwelling to be in violation of a provision described in subdivision (a). (C) The enforcement agency’s decision to repair or demolish. (D) The issuance of a building or demolition permit following the abatement order of an enforcement agency. (2) Each document provided pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be provided to each affected residential unit by the enforcement agency that issued the order or notice, in the manner prescribed by subdivision (a) of Section 17980.6. (e) All notices issued by the enforcement agency to correct violations or to abate nuisances shall contain a provision notifying the owner that, in accordance with Sections 17274 and 24436.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, a tax deduction may not be allowed for interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization paid or incurred in the taxable year. (f) The enforcement agency may charge the owner of the building for its postage or mileage cost for sending or posting the notices required to be given by this section. (g) If the enforcement agency determines that there is an infestation pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (a) of Section 17920.3 or Section 116130, the enforcement agency’s abatement order shall require the abatement of any other conditions listed in Section 17920.3 that the enforcement agency determines to have caused the infestation.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.1. Section 17980.1.

(a) If a building is identified by a city, city and county, or county pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 19160) of Chapter 2 of Part 3 of Division 13, or Section 8875.2 of the Government Code as being potentially hazardous to life in the event of an earthquake or is identified for any other reason to be hazardous to life in the event of an earthquake, or is identified as being in a condition that substantially endangers the health and safety of residents pursuant to Section 17980.6, an order requiring the building to be retrofitted to local seismic building standards or repaired so as not to violate any law, regulation, or ordinance applicable to the maintenance and use of the building, may be executed by the enforcement agency or its agents or contractors if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The hazardous condition is of a nature that would endanger the immediate health and safety of residents or the public in the event of an earthquake. (2) The extent and nature of a hazardous condition related to seismic safety is such that it could be corrected with the application of current technology. (3) Any abatement order of the enforcement agency is not complied with or not so far complied with as the enforcement agency may regard as reasonable, within the time therein designated. (b) If the owner does not comply with the abatement order within a reasonable time after issuance of the order, the enforcement agency may, as an alternative to any other remedy permitted under law, seek the remedy provided by this section if the court finds the owner in violation of the abatement order and finds that the abatement order was issued in order to correct a hazardous condition which would endanger the immediate health and safety of residents or the public in the event of an earthquake or because of any violation of this part. (c) After serving notice upon the owner not less than 48 hours prior to the filing of the application in accordance with the procedures for notice specified by this subdivision, the enforcement agency, in accordance with this section, Sections 17980.1 to 17980.3, inclusive, and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 564) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, may thereafter apply to the superior court in the county where the property is situated by petition for an order directing the owner and any mortgagees or lienors of record to show cause why an individual or group as proposed by the enforcement agency should not be appointed as a receiver, and why the receiver should not remove or remedy the condition and obtain a lien, as provided in Section 17980.2, in favor of the enforcement agency against the property, with the lien having the priority as specified in subdivision (b) of Section 17980.2, to secure repayment of the costs incurred by the receiver in removing or remedying the condition. The application shall contain all of the following: (1) Proof by affidavit that an abatement order of the enforcement agency has been issued and served on the owner, mortgagees, and lienors in accordance with this section, and that the notice containing the same particulars as are required in the abatement order, including the work to be done, has been filed in the office of the county recorder in which mechanic’s liens affecting the property would be filed. (2) A statement that the abatement order has not been complied with or not so far complied with as the enforcement agency may regard as reasonable within the time period therein designated. (3) A statement that a condition that constitutes a serious hazard and is a serious threat to life, health, or safety continues to exist upon the property, and a description of the property and the factors constituting the unsafe condition. (4) A plan describing how the receiver shall perform the required work, and how rents, issues, and profits shall be collected and distributed among the owner, mortgagee, lienor, and enforcement agency or receiver, and including an estimate as to the costs of the required work, the approximate time when the repairs will be completed, a statement as to whether a displacement of any occupant is required, and provisions regarding assistance for displaced occupants. (d) The order to show cause shall be returnable not less than five days after service is completed and shall provide for personal service of a copy thereof and the papers on which it is based on the owners and mortgagees of record and lienors. Alternative service may be made upon the owner by posting upon the property and thereafter mailing to the owner at the last known address, and upon the mortgagee or lienor by mailing to the address set forth in the recorded mortgage or lien and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the premises are located. The service shall be completed on filing proof of service thereof in the office of the county clerk. (e) On the return of the order to show cause, the proceeding regarding that order shall have precedence over every other business of the court, unless the court finds that some other pending proceeding, having a similar statutory precedence, shall have priority. If the court finds good cause therefor, and finds that the cost of repairs, when added to any valid encumbrances on the building, shall not exceed the projected value of the building when repaired, then the court shall appoint a receiver named in the application or another person deemed appropriate, in accordance with this section and Section 17980.2. However, prior to the appointment of a receiver, if the owner or any mortgagee or lienor or other person having an interest in the property applies to the court to be permitted to remove or remedy the conditions, and demonstrates the ability promptly to undertake the work required, and posts security for the performance thereof within the time, and in the amount and manner deemed necessary by the court, then the court may, in lieu of appointing the receiver, issue an order permitting that person to perform the work within a time fixed by the court. (f) If the conditions have not been satisfactorily remedied or removed within the time fixed in the abatement order, then the court shall appoint a receiver. If, after granting a court order permitting a person to perform the work, but before the time fixed by the court for the completion thereof, it appears to the enforcement agency that the person permitted to do the work is not proceeding in a timely fashion, the enforcement agency may petition the court for a hearing to determine whether a receiver should be appointed immediately. On the failure of the owner, mortgagee, lienor, or other person having an interest in the property to complete the work in accordance with the provisions of the order, the costs of the receiver thereafter appointed in removing or remedying the condition, and for other charges herein provided for, shall be reimbursed, paid, or made subject to a lien pursuant to Section 17980.2, or any combination of these. (g) Upon the appointment of a receiver by the court, which shall include the posting of a bond by the receiver, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 567 of the Code of Civil Procedure, a copy of the order making the appointment, authenticated by a certificate of the clerk of the court and particularly describing the property which is subject to the receivership, shall be recorded in each county in which any portion of the land is located. However, if the court determines that the receiver will be acting under the general direction of the enforcement agency, the receiver may be deemed a public officer pursuant to Section 995.220 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (h) In addition to the powers specifically requested by the enforcement agency for the receiver, the receiver shall be authorized to employ attorneys, accountants, contractors, architects, engineers, and other clerical and professional personnel to assist the receiver in the performance of these duties and responsibilities. (i) Notwithstanding Section 6103 or 27383 of the Government Code, a county clerk or county recorder, or clerk of the court may charge a fee to any party, including a public agency, for the cost, incurred pursuant to this section, of filing, recording, or authentication of documents at the request of that party.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.2. Section 17980.2.

(a) If the enforcement agency, in accordance with Section 17980.1, shall desire that the receiver obtain a lien for costs incurred in connection therewith in favor of the enforcement agency, the enforcement agency, within five days after the service of the abatement order upon the owner, shall serve a copy of the abatement order upon the lienor and mortgagee of record personally or by registered mail, return receipt requested, at the address set forth in the recorded mortgage or lien. A notice addressed to the mortgagee and lienor shall be appended to the copy of the abatement order, stating that in the event the unsafe conditions are not removed or remedied in the manner and within the time specified in the abatement order, the enforcement agency may apply to the superior court for an order to show cause why a receiver shall not be appointed. (b) The enforcement agency or a receiver appointed pursuant to this section and Section 17980.1 may record a lien against the real property on which the building is located for the expenses necessarily incurred in the execution of the abatement order, for work done in carrying out the abatement order, and for the costs incurred by the county recorder in recording the lien. Notwithstanding Section 6103 or 27383 of the Government Code, the county recorder may charge a fee to any party for the cost, incurred pursuant to this section, of recording the lien at the request of that party. Liens authorized by this subdivision shall specify the amount of the lien, the name of the agency or agencies on whose behalf the lien is imposed, the date of the abatement order or the order of the court which required the work to be done, the name of the receiver, if any, appointed pursuant to Section 17980.1, and the legal description assessor’s parcel number, and the record owner of the real property. The lien shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of any county in which all or any portion of the real property is located, and from the date of recording shall have the force, effect, and priority of a judgment lien. The enforcement agency may defer payment of the lien until the property is sold or the enforcement agency may require that the lien be paid in installments. The amount of the lien authorized by this subdivision shall in no event exceed the reasonable costs of repair, as determined pursuant to Section 17980.3. Nothing in this section or in Section 17980.3 shall authorize the forced sale of the property to secure payment of the judgment lien. (c) Whenever the enforcement agency has incurred expense for which payment is due under this section, Section 17980.3, or 17980.4, the enforcement agency may institute and maintain a suit against the owner of the building, and may recover the amount of that expense. In any case where expenditures have been made, or obligations incurred, by a receiver pursuant to Section 17980.3, and these are not paid or reimbursed from rents and income of the building, the receiver may institute and maintain a suit against the owner to recover the deficiency. Upon the awarding of a money judgment in any action authorized by this section, until the same is paid or discharged, the judgment shall be a lien like other judgments, pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 697.010) of Division 2 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (d) Unless, within six months after actual notice, proceedings to discharge the lien are undertaken by the party against whom, or against whose premises, a lien is claimed, the filing shall, as to all persons having actual notice, become conclusive evidence that the amount claimed in the lien, with interest, is due, and is a just lien upon the premises. (e) Where there is more than one owner, except as the owners may have otherwise mutually agreed, any owner who removes or remedies the unsafe condition shall be entitled to recover a proportionate share of the total expense of the compliance from all other owners to whom the abatement order was issued.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.3. Section 17980.3.

(a) Any receiver appointed pursuant to this section shall have all of the powers and duties conferred by this section, and Sections 17980.1 and 17980.2, and shall have the powers and duties of a receiver appointed in an action to foreclose a mortgage on real property, as provided in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 564) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The receiver, with all reasonable speed, shall remedy the unsafe condition and remove all the delinquent matters and deficiencies in the building, as specified in the abatement order. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the receiver shall have the power to let contracts therefor or incur expenses in accordance with the provisions of local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations applicable to contracts for public works. (b) If the conditions of the premises and repairs thereto significantly interfere with the peaceful enjoyment or safe and sanitary use of the premises by any tenant, the receiver shall arrange for comparable temporary housing which is decent, safe, and sanitary for each tenant required to be relocated. The receiver shall pay relocation costs to each tenant as provided in Section 7262 of the Government Code. The costs shall be limited to the time that the premises are being repaired. The receiver shall mail to the owner and tenants at least 30 days prior to completion of the repairs a notice that the unit will be available for occupancy. The tenant shall have 14 days from the date the receiver’s notification was mailed to notify the landlord of his or her intent to reoccupy the dwelling unit. The tenant shall have seven days to reoccupy the unit once the unit is deemed habitable. Failure of the tenant to notify the owner and receiver of the tenant’s intent to reoccupy the unit shall extinguish this right to reoccupy. (c) The receiver shall be entitled to the same fees, commissions, and necessary expenses as receivers in actions to foreclose mortgages. These fees and commissions shall be paid into any fund created pursuant to Section 17980.5. The receiver shall be liable only in the receiver’s official capacity for injury to person and property by reason of conditions of the premises in a case where an owner would have been liable. The receiver shall not be liable in the receiver’s personal capacity. Upon the request of the receiver, the enforcement agency or the department, or both, shall make their personnel and facilities available to the receiver for the purpose of carrying out the receiver’s duties as the receiver, and the cost of these services shall be deemed a necessary expense of the receiver. (d) The receiver shall be discharged upon rendering a full and complete accounting to the court when the condition has been removed and the cost thereof and all other costs authorized by this section have been paid, reimbursed, or made subject to a lien pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 17980.2, or any combination of these. Upon the removal of the condition, the owner, the mortgagee, or any lienor may apply for the discharge of the receiver of all moneys not expended by the receiver for removal of the condition and all other costs authorized by this section.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.4. Section 17980.4.

(a) Whenever the enforcement agency sues for the expenses involved in the execution of any order, it may join in the same suit and claim any civil remedy for the violation of any provisions of this chapter. Joint or several judgments may be had against one or more of the defendants in the suit, as they or any of them may be liable in respect of all or any of these claims. The expenses of executing the order, and any judgment in any abatement suit provided for in this chapter, and the several judgments that may be recovered for any of these expenses and judgments, until the same are paid or discharged, shall be a lien like other judgments, pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 697.010) of Division 2 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) Nothing in this section or in Sections 17980.1 to 17980.3, inclusive, shall be deemed to relieve the owner of any civil or criminal liability incurred or any duty imposed by reason of acts or omissions of the owner prior to the appointment of any receiver, nor shall anything contained to those sections be construed to suspend during the receivership any obligation of the owner for the payment of taxes or operating and maintenance expenses of the dwelling or any obligation of the owner or any other person for the payment of mortgages or liens. The remedies pursuant to this section or Sections 17980.1 to 17980.3, inclusive, shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.6. Section 17980.6.

If any building is maintained in a manner that violates any provisions of this part, the building standards published in the State Building Standards Code relating to the provisions of this part, any other rule or regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this part, or any provision in a local ordinance that is similar to a provision in this part, and the violations are so extensive and of such a nature that the health and safety of residents or the public is substantially endangered, the enforcement agency may issue an order or notice to repair or abate pursuant to this part. Any order or notice pursuant to this subdivision shall be provided either by both posting a copy of the order or notice in a conspicuous place on the property and by first-class mail to each affected residential unit, or by posting a copy of the order or notice in a conspicuous place on the property and in a prominent place on each affected residential unit. The order or notice shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the agency that issued the notice or order. (b) The date, time, and location of any public hearing or proceeding concerning the order or notice. (c) Information that the lessor cannot retaliate against a lessee pursuant to Section 1942.5 of the Civil Code.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.7. Section 17980.7.

If the owner fails to comply within a reasonable time with the terms of the order or notice issued pursuant to Section 17980.6, the following provisions shall apply: (a) The enforcement agency may seek and the court may order imposition of the penalties provided for under Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 17995). (b) (1) The enforcement agency may seek and the court may order the owner to not claim any deduction with respect to state taxes for interest, taxes, expenses, depreciation, or amortization paid or incurred with respect to the cited structure, in the taxable year of the initial order or notice, in lieu of the enforcement agency processing a violation in accordance with Sections 17274 and 24436.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (2) If the owner fails to comply with the terms of the order or notice to correct the condition that caused the violation pursuant to Section 17980.6, the court may order the owner to not claim these tax benefits for the following year. (c) The enforcement agency, tenant, or tenant association or organization may seek and the court may order, the appointment of a receiver for the substandard building pursuant to this subdivision. In its petition to the court, the enforcement agency, tenant, or tenant association or organization shall include proof that notice of the petition was posted in a prominent place on the substandard building and mailed first-class mail to all persons with a recorded interest in the real property upon which the substandard building exists not less than three days prior to filing the petition. The petition shall be served on the owner pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 415.10) of Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The appointment of a receiver for the substandard building pursuant to another provision of law shall not prevent an enforcement agency from seeking, or the court from appointing or replacing, a receiver pursuant to this section. In such instance, the provisions of this section shall apply in addition to the original provision of law. (1) In appointing a receiver, the court shall consider whether the owner has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to correct the conditions cited in the notice of violation. (2) The court shall not appoint any person as a receiver unless the person has demonstrated to the court their capacity and expertise to develop and supervise a viable financial and construction plan for the satisfactory rehabilitation of the building. A court may appoint as a receiver a nonprofit organization or community development corporation. In addition to the duties and powers that may be granted pursuant to this section, the nonprofit organization or community development corporation may also apply for grants to assist in the rehabilitation of the building. (3) If a receiver is appointed, the owner and the owner’s agent of the substandard building shall be enjoined from collecting rents from the tenants, interfering with the receiver in the operation of the substandard building, and encumbering or transferring the substandard building or real property upon which the building is situated. (4) Any receiver appointed pursuant to this section shall have all of the following powers and duties in the order of priority listed in this paragraph, unless the court otherwise permits: (A) To take full and complete control of the substandard property. (B) To manage the substandard building and pay expenses of the operation of the substandard building and real property upon which the building is located, including taxes, insurance, utilities, general maintenance, and debt secured by an interest in the real property. (C) To secure a cost estimate and construction plan from a licensed contractor for the repairs necessary to correct the conditions cited in the notice of violation. (D) To enter into contracts and employ a licensed contractor as necessary to correct the conditions cited in the notice of violation. (E) To collect all rents and income from the substandard building. (F) To use all rents and income from the substandard building to pay for the cost of rehabilitation and repairs determined by the court as necessary to correct the conditions cited in the notice of violation. (G) To borrow funds to pay for repairs necessary to correct the conditions cited in the notice of violation and to borrow funds to pay for any relocation benefits authorized by paragraph (6) and, with court approval, secure that debt and any moneys owed to the enforcement agency or the receiver for services performed pursuant to this article with a lien on the real property upon which the substandard building is located. The lien shall be recorded in the county recorder’s office in the county within which the building is located. (H) To exercise the powers granted to receivers under Section 568 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (5) The receiver shall be entitled to the same fees, commissions, and necessary expenses as receivers in actions to foreclose mortgages. (6) If the conditions of the premises or the repair or rehabilitation thereof significantly affect the safe and sanitary use of the substandard building by any tenant, to the extent that the tenant cannot safely reside in their unit, then the receiver shall provide relocation benefits in accordance with subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (d). (7) The relocation compensation provided for in this section shall not preempt any local ordinance that provides for greater relocation assistance. (8) In addition to any reporting required by the court, the receiver shall prepare monthly reports to the state or local enforcement agency that shall contain information on at least the following items: (A) The total amount of rent payments received. (B) Nature and amount of contracts negotiated relative to the operation or repair of the property. (C) Payments made toward the repair of the premises. (D) Progress of necessary repairs. (E) Other payments made relative to the operation of the building. (F) Amount of tenant relocation benefits paid. (9) The receiver shall be discharged when the conditions cited in the notice of violation have been remedied in accordance with the court order or judgment and a complete accounting of all costs and repairs has been delivered to the court. Upon removal of the condition, the owner, the mortgagee, or any lienor of record may apply for the discharge of all moneys not used by the receiver for removal of the condition and all other costs authorized by this section. (10) After discharging the receiver, the court may retain jurisdiction for a time period not to exceed 18 consecutive months, which may be extended by order of the court to ensure continuing compliance, and require the owner and the enforcement agency responsible for enforcing Section 17980 to report to the court in accordance with a schedule determined by the court. (11) The prevailing party in an action pursuant to this section shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs as may be fixed by the court. (12) The county recorder may charge and collect fees for the recording of all notices and other documents required by this section pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 27360) of Chapter 6 of Division 2 of Title 3 of the Government Code. (13) This section shall not be construed to limit those rights available to tenants and owners under any other provision of the law. (14) This section shall not be construed to deprive an owner of a substandard building of all procedural due process rights guaranteed by the California Constitution and the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, receipt of notice of the violation claimed and an adequate and reasonable period of time to comply with any orders that are issued by the enforcement agency or the court. (15) Upon the request of a receiver, a court may require the owner of the property to pay all unrecovered costs associated with the receivership in addition to any other remedy authorized by law. (d) If the court finds that a building is in a condition that substantially endangers the health and safety of residents pursuant to Section 17980.6, upon the entry of any order or judgment, the court shall do all of the following: (1) Order the owner to pay all reasonable and actual costs of the enforcement agency, including, but not limited to, inspection costs, investigation costs, enforcement costs, attorney’s fees or costs, and all costs of prosecution. (2) Order that the local enforcement agency shall provide the tenant with notice of the court order or judgment. (3) (A) Order that if the owner undertakes repairs or rehabilitation as a result of being cited for a notice under this chapter, and if the conditions of the premises or the repair or rehabilitation thereof significantly affect the safe and sanitary use of the premises by any lawful tenant, so that the tenant cannot safely reside in the premises, then the owner shall provide or pay relocation benefits to each lawful tenant. These benefits shall consist of actual reasonable moving and storage costs and relocation compensation. The actual moving and storage costs shall consist of all of the following: (i) Transportation of the tenant’s personal property to the new location. The new location shall be in close proximity to the substandard premises, except where relocation to a new location beyond a close proximity is determined by the court to be justified. (ii) Packing, crating, unpacking, and uncrating the tenant’s personal property. (iii) Insurance of the tenant’s property while in transit. (iv) The reasonable replacement value of property lost, stolen, or damaged (not through the fault or negligence of the displaced person, their agent, or their employee) in the process of moving, where insurance covering the loss, theft, or damage is not reasonably available. (v) The cost of disconnecting, dismantling, removing, reassembling, reconnecting, and reinstalling machinery, equipment, or other personal property of the tenant, including connection charges imposed by utility companies for starting utility service. (B) (i) The relocation compensation shall be an amount equal to the differential between the contract rent and the fair market rental value determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for a unit of comparable size within the area for the period that the unit is being repaired, not to exceed 120 days. (ii) If the court finds that a tenant has been substantially responsible for causing or substantially contributing to the substandard conditions, then the relocation benefits of this section shall not be paid to this tenant. Each other tenant on the premises who has been ordered to relocate due to the substandard conditions and who is not substantially responsible for causing or contributing to the conditions shall be paid these benefits and moving costs at the time that the tenant actually relocates. (4) Determine the date when the tenant is to relocate, and order the tenant to notify the enforcement agency and the owner of the address of the premises to which the tenant has relocated within five days after the relocation. (5) (A) Order that the owner shall offer the first right to occupancy of the premises to each tenant who received benefits pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), before letting the unit for rent to a third party. The owner’s offer on the first right to occupancy to the tenant shall be in writing, and sent by first-class certified mail to the address given by the tenant at the time of relocation. If the owner has not been provided the tenant’s address by the tenant as prescribed by this section, the owner shall not be required to provide notice under this section or offer the tenant the right to return to occupancy. (B) The tenant shall notify the owner in writing that the tenant will occupy the unit. The notice shall be sent by first-class certified mail no later than 10 days after the notice has been mailed by the owner. (6) Order that failure to comply with any abatement order under this chapter shall be punishable by civil contempt, penalties under Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 17995), and any other penalties and fines as are available. (e) The initiation of a proceeding or entry of a judgment pursuant to this section or Section 17980.6 shall be deemed to be a “proceeding” or “judgment” as provided by paragraph (4) or (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1942.5 of the Civil Code. (f) The term “owner,” for the purposes of this section, shall include the owner, including any public entity that owns residential real property, at the time of the initial notice or order and any successor in interest who had actual or constructive knowledge of the notice, order, or prosecution. (g) These remedies shall be in addition to those provided by any other law. (h) This section and Section 17980.6 shall not impair the rights of an owner exercising the owner’s rights established pursuant to Chapter 12.75 (commencing with Section 7060) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code. (i) Notwithstanding Section 917.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, an appeal of a court order or judgment issued pursuant to this article shall not stay proceedings upon the order or judgment, absent an extraordinary writ being issued by the appropriate appeals court upon a properly filed petition. (j) For purposes of this section, “petition” includes a complaint.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.8. Section 17980.8.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a determination that an unsafe or substandard condition exists in any building, or upon the lot upon which it is situated, has been made in an administrative proceeding conducted under this part, including any code incorporated by Section 17922, the enforcement agency may abate the nuisance as provided in this part or exercise any other authority conferred upon it by this part, subject only to the exclusive remedy of the owner to challenge the administrative determination pursuant to Section 1094. 5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The court may exercise its independent judgment on the evidence to determine whether the findings are supported by the weight of the evidence. This section shall apply only to administrative proceedings commenced on or after January 1, 1990.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.9. Section 17980.9.

Notwithstanding Section 17980, whenever the enforcement agency inspects any vacant single-family dwelling within the City of Los Angeles or the City of San Diego pursuant to this chapter, all of the following shall apply: (a) If a nuisance exists in any vacant single-family dwelling or upon the lot on which it is situated, the enforcement agency shall, after 15 days’ notice to abate the nuisance, institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the nuisance. (b) (1) Whenever the enforcement agency has inspected or caused to be inspected any vacant single-family dwelling and has determined that the building is a substandard dwelling, the enforcement agency shall, after giving 15 days’ notice to the owner, commence proceedings to abate the violation by repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of the building. The owner shall have the choice of repairing or demolishing. However, if the owner chooses to repair, the enforcement agency shall require that the building be brought into compliance according to a reasonable and feasible schedule for expeditious repair. The enforcement agency may require demolition or may itself repair, demolish, or institute any other appropriate action or proceeding, if any of the following occur: (A) The repair work is not done as scheduled. (B) The owner does not make a timely choice of repair or demolition. (C) The owner selects an option that cannot be completed within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the department, for any reason, including, but not limited to, an outstanding judicial or administrative order. (2) In deciding whether to repair as necessary, the enforcement agency shall give preference to the repair of the building whenever it is economically feasible to do so without having to repair more than 50 percent of the dwelling, as determined by the enforcement agency, and shall give full consideration to the needs for housing as expressed in the local jurisdiction’s housing element. (c) All notices issued by the enforcement agency to correct violations or to abate nuisances shall contain a provision notifying the owner that, in accordance with Sections 17274 and 24436.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, a tax deduction may not be allowed for interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization paid or incurred in the taxable year. (d) The enforcement agency may charge the owner of the building for its postage or mileage cost for sending or posting the notices required to be given by this section.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.10. Section 17980.10.

(a) An enforcement agency that properly declares any dwelling a nuisance and, using the notice requirements and procedures specified in Subchapter 1 (commencing with Section 1) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, confirms the declaration by resolution of its governing board shall be deemed to have acquired jurisdiction to abate the nuisance by repairing or causing to have repairs made to the property, by razing or removing the dwelling or in any other way causing the nuisance to be abated. (b) The enforcement agency shall keep an itemized account of all of the expenses involved in abating the nuisance, including the razing or removing of the dwelling. The enforcement agency shall cause to be posted conspicuously on the property where the nuisance was abated, repairs were made, or where the dwelling was razed or removed, an expense statement. This statement shall be verified by the officer of the enforcement agency in charge of doing the work, showing the reasonable gross and net expense of the abatement actions taken by the agency, including the expense of inspections; repairs, if any; the cost of the razing or removing of the building, if applicable; and any other costs of abatement, together with a notice of the time and place when and where the statement shall be submitted to the governing board of the enforcement agency for approval and confirmation. In addition to being posted on the property, this statement shall be sent by certified mail to each owner and other interested party, as specified in Subchapter 1 (commencing with Section 1) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations. (c) At the meeting noticed pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing board shall consider any objections or protests, if any, that may be raised by the property owner liable to be assessed for the cost of the work, or by any other interested persons. If the governing board confirms the statement of costs of abatement, those costs shall be the obligation of each owner of the property to pay to the public entity that has incurred them. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any hearing required under this section shall be conducted in accordance with requirements adopted by the enforcement agency that are in substantial compliance with those contained in Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1301), or the successor provisions to that chapter, of the most recent edition of the Uniform Housing Code of the International Conference of Building Officials or as specified in Subchapter 1 (commencing with Section 1) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.11. Section 17980.11.

If an enforcement agency has recorded with a county recorder any notice of substandard or untenantable conditions issued pursuant to this part for a residential structure, and if the enforcement agency anticipates that it will pursue the remedies provided by subdivision (b) of Section 17980.7 or subdivision (c) of Section 17980.9, or Section 17274 or 24436.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, it may require the private owner of that structure, within 10 days of recordation, to submit to the enforcement agency the following information: (a) If the property owner is an individual, the name, address, driver’s license number or identification card number, social security number or tax identification number, and any other information deemed necessary by the enforcement agency to file the documents necessary to utilize Section 17274 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (b) If the property owner is a corporation, trust, real estate trust, or any other entity whose taxes are subject to Part 11 (commencing with Section 23001) of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the name, address, tax identification number, and any other information deemed necessary by the enforcement agency to file the documents necessary to utilize Section 24436.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (c) If the property owner is a limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust, or real estate investment trust, or any other entity that has owners, partners, members, or investors whose state taxes are subject to Part 10 (commencing with Section 17001) of the Revenue and Taxation Code and whose income, deductions, or tax credits are subject to any change because of interest payments, taxes, depreciation, or amortization related to the substandard housing, the name, address, driver’s license number or identification card number, social security number or tax identification number, and any other information deemed necessary by the enforcement agency to file the documents necessary to utilize Section 17274 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17980.12. Section 17980.12.

(a) (1) An enforcement agency, until January 1, 2030, that issues to an owner of an accessory dwelling unit described in subparagraph (A) or (B) below, a notice to correct a violation of any provision of any building standard pursuant to this part shall include in that notice a statement that the owner of the unit has a right to request a delay in enforcement pursuant to this subdivision: (A) The accessory dwelling unit was built before January 1, 2020. (B) The accessory dwelling unit was built on or after January 1, 2020, in a local jurisdiction that, at the time the accessory dwelling unit was built, had a noncompliant accessory dwelling unit ordinance, but the ordinance is compliant at the time the request is made. (2) The owner of an accessory dwelling unit that receives a notice to correct violations or abate nuisances as described in paragraph (1) may, in the form and manner prescribed by the enforcement agency, submit an application to the enforcement agency requesting that enforcement of the violation be delayed for five years on the basis that correcting the violation is not necessary to protect health and safety. (3) A local agency shall not require, as a condition for ministerial approval of a permit application for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit, the correction of a violation on the primary dwelling unit, provided that correcting the violation is not necessary to protect health and safety. (4) The enforcement agency shall grant an application described in paragraph (2) if the enforcement agency determines that correcting the violation is not necessary to protect health and safety. In making this determination, the enforcement agency shall consult with the entity responsible for enforcement of building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13146. (5) The enforcement agency shall not approve any applications pursuant to this section on or after January 1, 2030. However, any delay that was approved by the enforcement agency before January 1, 2030, shall be valid for the full term of the delay that was approved at the time of the initial approval of the application pursuant to paragraph (4). (b) For purposes of this section, “accessory dwelling unit” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 66313 of the Government Code. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2035, and as of that date is repealed.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17981. Section 17981.

An enforcement agency which institutes any action or proceeding pursuant to this article may, by verified complaint setting forth the facts, apply to the superior court for an order granting the relief for which the action or proceeding is brought until the entry of a final judgment or order.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17982. Section 17982.

If any notice or order issued by an enforcement agency is not complied with within a reasonable time as specified in such notice or order the enforcement agency may apply to the superior court for an order authorizing it to remove any violation or abate any nuisance specified in the notice or order.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17984. Section 17984.

Neither an enforcement agency, any of its officers, nor any city or county for which an enforcement agency may act, is liable for costs in any action or proceeding that the enforcement agency may commence pursuant to this article.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17985. Section 17985.

(a) Any enforcement agency which institutes an action or proceeding pursuant to this article shall record a notice of the pendency of the action or proceeding in the county recorder’s office of the county where the property affected by the action or proceeding is situated. The enforcement agency may charge the property owner for any cost involved in recording the notice. The enforcement agency shall reimburse the owner for any amount charged if the case is dismissed or if the defendant is found innocent. The notice shall be recorded at the time of the commencement of the action or proceeding. It has the same effect as the notice of pendency of action provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure. (b) The enforcement agency shall record a notice of final disposition of any action or proceeding in the county recorder’s office where the property affected by the action or proceeding was recorded immediately following final resolution of the action or proceeding.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17986. Section 17986.

The county recorder with whom a notice of pendency of action or proceeding is filed shall record and index it in the name of each person to be specified in a direction subscribed by an officer of the enforcement agency instituting the action or proceeding.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17987. Section 17987.

Any notice of pendency of action or proceeding may be vacated upon the order of a judge of the court in which the action or proceeding is pending. A certified copy of the order of vacation may be recorded in the office of the recorder of the county where the notice of pendency of action is recorded.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17988. Section 17988.

In any action or proceeding brought pursuant to this article, service of summons is sufficient if served in the manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17989. Section 17989.

Except under conditions immediately affecting health or safety, every notice or order issued pursuant to this part shall be served five days before the time for doing or refraining from doing the thing to which it pertains.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17991. Section 17991.

(a) The sale or other transfer of property to a third party shall not render moot an administrative or judicial action or proceeding pursuant to this article, including an action under Section 17982, instituted by an enforcement agency, or a receiver on behalf of an enforcement agency, against the owner of record on the date a citation for, or other notice of, a violation of this part was issued. (b) In the event of any sale or other transfer of property to a third party during the period between the issuance of the notice of violation and the abatement of the violation, or any administrative or judicial actions related thereto, within five days after the sale or transfer occurs, the transferor shall record a Notice of Conveyance of Substandard Property with the county recorder where the property is located, identifying the name and address of the buyer or transferee and executed with a signature that the information is true and correct, under penalty of perjury. (c) In the event of any sale of other transfer of property to a third party during the period between the issuance of the notice of violation and the abatement of the violation, or any administrative or judicial actions related thereto, the transferor shall provide all of the following information to the enforcement agency within five days after the sale or transfer occurs: (1) If the seller or transferor is not an individual person, the name, address, and driver’s license number or identification card number of each individual who has an interest in excess of 5 percent in the entity which is selling or transferring the property. (2) If the buyer or transferee is an individual person, the name, address, and driver’s license number or identification number of that individual. (3) If the buyer or transferee is not an individual person, the name, address, and driver’s license number or identification card number of each individual who has an interest in excess of 5 percent in the entity that is the buyer or transferee of the property.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 17992. Section 17992.

Any person who obtains an ownership interest in any property after a notice of pendency of an action or proceeding was recorded with respect to the property pursuant to Section 17985 or any other notice of a violation of this part was recorded with the county recorder of the county in which the property is located, and where there has been no withdrawal or expungement of the notice, shall be subject to any order to correct a violation, including time limitations, specified in a citation issued pursuant to Sections 17980 and 17981 or any other notice of a violation of this part that was recorded with the county recorder of the county in which the property is located and is liable for any costs and fees of the receiver or enforcement agency, as applicable.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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