LA Launches User-Friendly Tracker for Monitoring Housing Violations in the Top 100 Rental Properties
Los Angeles Launches Data Dashboard Tracking Problematic Rental Properties
LOS ANGELES – On Thursday, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia introduced a new public data dashboard aimed at identifying the city’s most problematic residential rentals. The initiative provides tenants with vital information regarding housing violations, empowering them to make informed decisions in their rental choices.
The "Top 100 Problem Rental Properties" dashboard compiles over a decade’s worth of housing violation data, facilitating transparency and tenant protection. The interactive tool allows users to search for any residential address within Los Angeles and view its associated violations, an interactive map, and a ranked list of the worst offenders.
Data included in the dashboard spans from December 2013 to November 2025 and highlights specific metrics such as the number of Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance (JCO) violations. It also outlines the number of code violations cited and subsequently cleared, along with information on property ownership.
To enhance transparency, Mejia’s office has meticulously reviewed public records to trace business entities back to individual property owners whenever possible.
According to the data, the top three properties with the highest reported violations are:
- 636 1/2 N Hill Pl – 192 housing violation cases (Owned by Thomas Botz, 2000-current)
- 11700 W Wilshire Blvd – 166 housing violation cases (Owned by Jordan L. Kaplan, 2001-current)
- 6650 W Forest Lawn Dr – 113 housing violation cases (Owned by multiple entities from 2007-2013; Benjamin W. Shall, 2013-current)
The dashboard reveals that illegal eviction cases are the most common type of violation, with a staggering 55,018 reported instances. Other frequently cited violations include illegal rent increases and service reductions.
While the dashboard serves as a valuable tool for renters, questions remain regarding the frequency of updates for newly filed complaints and what specific enforcement actions the city will undertake against landlords on the top 100 list.
Mejia underscored the importance of the dashboard in ensuring accountability. "This project comes at a time when tenants are reporting harassment and illegal evictions violating the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, but very few of the complaints lead to strong enforcement or real accountability," he stated. He emphasized that this tool enables renters and housing organizers to document systemic issues while urging property owners and city officials to take action.
The Controller’s Office anticipates that this tool will empower local renters and housing advocates in their efforts to address systemic landlord issues. The public availability of this data is expected to increase pressure on property owners to rectify existing violations and prompt city departments to enhance their accountability measures.
