What to check before buying a house in Los Angeles

One clear report. A complete documented history from reliable sources, so you and your family can decide with peace of mind.

Before you make an offer on a Los Angeles house or condo, run through this list. Most of it takes minutes with the address.

1. Permits

Look for open or expired permits and work that has no permit at all, such as a converted garage or added bedroom.

2. Code enforcement cases

Open or past building and safety cases can mean required repairs or fines that transfer with the property.

3. Hazard zones

Check fire, flood, earthquake fault, liquefaction and landslide zones. These can affect insurance and what you can build.

4. Zoning and lot size

Confirm the zoning and what the lot allows, especially if you plan to add a unit or remodel.

5. The neighborhood

Review nearby crime counts and what is around the property.

6. Square footage

Listing square footage is often unverified. See our guide on whether to trust it.

Deedlore covers addresses in the City of Los Angeles for Stay Checks, and Los Angeles County addresses for reports where available. Reports draw on information from local and federal government agencies and other independent sources as of the date shown, describe properties and not people, and are not legal advice. Deedlore is not a consumer reporting agency, and reports may not be used to decide eligibility for credit, employment, insurance or tenancy. Deedlore is not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo or any booking platform.

Related guides

• Buying a home in Los Angeles: the property history check
• How to look up permits for a Los Angeles address
• Unpermitted work: what to know
• Hazard zones when buying or renting
• Can you trust square footage in a listing

Common questions