Inspections

* Re “Tenants Lose Right to Privacy,” Voices, April 3: The recently enacted L.A. code enforcement program was enacted to protect tenants under one roof in multiunit buildings from unsafe conditions caused or maintained by the landlord or fellow renters. Often we read about heroic rescues of citizens in burning buildings by fire and police personnel. This would be a much more frequent occurrence if it wasn’t for the “nosy” inspectors.

Inspectors are specially trained to make a proper inspection and do find violations by merely looking around. If it is necessary to look under the bed or have bookcases moved, it will be done. The 4th Amendment includes your right to life, which often is endangered by tenant-caused violations, such as flammable materials stored near open-flame appliances, hazardous cord wiring, disconnected smoke detectors--the list is nearly endless. If one believes that all tenants can police themselves, try riding with an inspector for a day. You would be amazed at how many disasters are waiting to happen just one wall, ceiling or floor away.

JOSEPH W. ACEVEDO JR.

City Building Inspector

Los Angeles