Langdon Villa Owner Faces Code Violations

A Granada Hills man is facing 16 criminal misdemeanor charges stemming from his failure to correct slum conditions at an apartment complex he owns in North Hills, City Atty. Jim Hahn said.

Moti Amar, 37, has been ordered to appear at an Oct. 23 arraignment at which he will be charged with 16 fire and health code violations, Hahn said.

Ted Goldstein, a spokesman for the city attorney, said the apartment complex, known as Langdon Villa, has been the subject of an investigation by the Inter Agency Slum Housing Task Force since April.

“We’re talking about some meaty issues. These are potentially life-threatening violations where the health and fire codes are not being adhered to,” Goldstein said.

Code violations found at the 80-unit complex include cockroach infestation, cracked windows, damaged walls, ceilings and floors and bathrooms in disrepair, according to the health department.

In addition, Fire Department investigators uncovered numerous violations, including an inoperable fire alarm system, missing fire extinguishers, fire doors propped open and emergency signs improperly lighted.

If convicted, Amar faces six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000 on each of the 16 counts.

Amar could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

“We want to send a message to Mr. Amar that he needs to bring his building up to code,” Goldstein said. “We want to get his attention and let him know that we are not to be shined-on.”