Our 6 Step Procedure

Meet with owner(s) to define goals and objectives for the proeprty. Later in the process we must judge whether we think their goals and objectives are realistic, and if not, offer alternatives. Also, establish a written agreement to provide for agency, liability insurance and retainer.

• Ascertain ownership, liens, property tax status
• Obtain all correspondence on violations from the current owner
• Obtain all permits, certificate of occupancy and citations from LA Dept. of Building & Safety (LADBS)
• Obtain all documents pertaining to the property for LAHD- citations, rent payment history, invoices, pending actions, and escrow account balance
• Determine if a new citation(s) was issued for new ownership
• Contact LAHD Inspector
• Check on citations (if any) with other agencies
• Status of any pending hearings
• Check status of Dept. of Water & Power (DWP) for the current status of bills
• Contact city attorney representative (if applicable)
• Check rent registration and SEPP payment status

Perform physical inspection with notes and photographs

• Review and inspect all cited items
• Note all Health & Safety items that may be added later
• Make and include all suggestions and comments
• Note actual use of the property, e.g. house, duplex, commercial

• Meet with tenant(s) at property to identify and research issues
• Determine number of occupants, names, lease status, etc.
• Determine if legal aid is involved
• Have there been any evictions and/or relocations? Are any pending?
• Any pending lawsuits and/or claims?
• Are new leases possible?
• Establish current rent roll and balance status

• Bring steps 1-4 together in light of the goals and objectives of the owner(s)
• If, in our opinion, the original goals & objectives are realistic and attainable, then establish a plan of action to be undertaken
• Budget for the undertaking and provide a time frame for completion with defined milestones for progress
• If, in our opinion, the goals & objectives of the owner(s) are not realistic in light of the review, meet with the owner again to establish attainable and realistic goals & objectives and create best plan of action 

Implement Plan of Action

• Report benchmark progress points to the owner(s) as progress is made
• Successful completion of the Plan of Action requires a degree of flexibility and focus and a margin of variance of each step

We must be able to "think on our feet"