What applies everywhere in California?
The water heater strap. The seller of any property with a water heater has to certify to the buyer that it's braced, anchored or strapped against earthquakes as state law requires.
Source: California Health and Safety Code 19211. Checked October 17, 2026.
Los Angeles: the earthquake gas valve
Before a sale agreement, or before escrow closes, a building in the City of Los Angeles with fuel gas piping needs a seismic gas shutoff valve or an excess flow shutoff valve.
Source: Los Angeles Municipal Code 94.1216.0. Checked October 17, 2026.
Los Angeles: water conservation fixtures
LADBS lists the city's Water Conservation Ordinance among the requirements when selling: any building with plumbing fixtures has to comply, under a program run by LADWP.
Source: LADBS, Requirements When Selling. Checked October 17, 2026.
San Fernando: the pre-sale inspection
Sellers of residential property in San Fernando have to apply for a pre-sale inspection and get the report before they sell.
Source: City of San Fernando, Residential Property Pre-Sale Inspection. Checked October 17, 2026.
Remodeling before you list?
California's Civil Code says that when a single-family home gets a permitted alteration, the old non-water-conserving fixtures have to be replaced before the building department gives final approval.
So a kitchen or bathroom remodel before a sale can bring the toilets and faucets elsewhere in the house into it.
Source: California Civil Code 1101.4. Checked October 17, 2026.
If you're the buyer
A standard home inspection doesn't look inside the sewer lateral, and in most of these cities the lateral is the owner's all the way to the main. On an older house, a camera inspection before escrow closes shows what you're buying.
