Making sure those providing housing to millions of Californians operate within the law
Before Californians make the biggest investment of their lives, or spend thousands of dollars improving it, Deputy Commissioners from the Department of Real Estate (DRE) and District Representatives from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) work to insure that persons engaged in the business of providing housing to millions of Californians operate within the law.
Deputy Commissioners regulate the licensing and operations of more than 500,000 real estate professionals and review new subdivision developments throughout the state. District Representatives with HCD supervise a smaller pool of licensees but also help consumers with manufactured home warranty issues and sale transactions, respond to permit and complaint issues at mobile home parks, assist consumers with the installation of modular buildings on real property, and regulate employee-housing facilities for seasonal and task-specific workers. All District Representatives are Code Enforcement Officers, while some are trained peace officers and serve subpoenas, conduct civil and administrative investigations, and refer cases to the local district attorney.
These dedicated public servants operate on the front lines of the housing industry.
Both Deputy Commissioners and District Representatives:
- Respond to consumer and licensee inquiries and complaints.
- Work closely with local and state government agencies.
- Prepare detailed case reports that direct consumers and licensees toward compliance and form the basis for administrative action by the respective departments.
- Draft referrals to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that result in significant punishments for violators.
- Conduct inspections and investigations to obtain compliance with applicable laws, building and maintenance codes and regulations.
- Protect consumers and promote the industry while insuring that the American dream does not turn into a nightmare for Californians.
