Verified for 2026 | City of Long Beach Health & Human Services
Most renters assume they need to call “LA County” to report pests. In Long Beach, that is a mistake. Long Beach is one of the few cities in California with its own independent Health Department and a mandatory inspection program called PRHIP.
If you live in a building with 4 or more units, your apartment is already subject to mandatory city inspections. This gives you massive leverage when asking your landlord to fix a roach or rat problem.
Who Do I Call? (Independent City Agencies)
Interior Pests
Code Enforcement (PRHIP)
For Roaches, Bed Bugs, or “Habitability” issues inside your unit. They manage the PRHIP program.
📞 (562) 570-CODERats & Mosquitoes
LB Health Dept (Vector)
Long Beach has its own Vector Control. Call them for rats in the alley, mosquitoes, or bees.
📞 (562) 570-4132Quick Navigation:
1. The “PRHIP” Program (Your Secret Weapon)
The Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program (PRHIP) is unique to Long Beach. It mandates that all multi-family buildings (4+ units) be inspected by the city periodically—even if no one complains.
Why This Matters for Bugs:
If you have a roach infestation, you don’t need to file a lawsuit. You can report it to PRHIP. Since the building is already in their system, they can trigger an inspection of all units, not just yours. This forces the landlord to treat the entire building, which is the only way to truly stop roaches.
Need Financial or Legal Assistance?
If your landlord retaliates after a PRHIP inspection, or if you need an emergency repair grant to use the “Repair and Deduct” remedy (Civil Code § 1942), there are local Long Beach programs to help protect your housing.
View Long Beach & LA County Assistance Programs2. How to Report a Violation
If your landlord ignores your written request for pest control, file a formal complaint.
- Online: Use the Go Long Beach App or website.
- Category: Select “Property Maintenance” -> “Vermin/Pests.”
- Details: Be specific. “German Roaches seen in kitchen cabinets and bathroom vents.”
- Access: You must be willing to let the inspector inside. If you deny entry, the case will be closed.
3. Long Beach “Just Cause” Eviction Rules
Long Beach Municipal Code (Chapter 8.99) prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. This protects you from retaliation.
- No Retaliation: If you report pests to the Health Department, the landlord cannot evict you for it.
- Substantial Remodel Loophole: Be careful—landlords can evict you if they plan to “substantially remodel” the unit. However, they must obtain permits before giving you notice. Painting and pest control do NOT count as a substantial remodel.
4. Pre-Inspection Checklist
Code Enforcement inspectors in Long Beach are strict. If your apartment is dirty, they may cite you instead of the landlord.
- Trash: Take out all trash immediately. Do not let bags pile up on the balcony.
- Food: All food must be in sealed containers or the refrigerator. No open cereal boxes on counters.
- Access: Clear a path to the areas where the bugs are (e.g., under the sink) so the inspector can see the holes.
5. Official Demand Letter Generator
Before filing with the Go Long Beach App, you must provide written notice to your landlord. Use our tool below to instantly generate a legally formatted Civil Code § 1941.1 demand letter.
Civil Code 1941.1 Demand Letter Generator
Instantly generate a legally formatted notice to send to your landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only for some areas. Most of Long Beach is covered by the City of Long Beach Health Department. However, areas east of Lakewood Blvd are covered by the Greater LA Vector Control District. Call the City Health Dept first (562-570-4132); they will direct you.
Yes, under “Constructive Eviction.” If the unit is uninhabitable and the landlord refuses to fix it, you can leave. However, you must follow specific legal steps. Consult a tenant lawyer before moving out.
Yes. California law requires the landlord to compensate you if you are displaced for termite tenting or other pest treatments. They cannot charge you rent for the days you cannot live there.
Taking Action into Your Own Hands?
If the city ordered your landlord to fix the problem, or if you are repairing and deducting, ensure you hire a reputable, SPCB-licensed company to guarantee the job is done right and you have the proper legal invoices.
View Long Beach Pest Control Pros