Internal Control / Fraud

Mission Statement

The Office of Internal Control is an investigative entity charged with promoting integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles’ programs and operations. This includes preventing, detecting and prosecuting waste, fraud and abuse. By means of audits and with the assistance of anonymous tips and fraud referrals, the Office of Internal Controls aims to effectively fulfill its mission.

What is Housing Fraud?

Housing fraud is any misrepresentation that allows a person to receive entitlements for which otherwise s/he does not qualify. Understating income, falsifying family composition, criminal activity, renting out one’s apartment unit to another, paying the landlord extra rent outside of the contract – these are all examples of housing fraud. This form of deception makes worse the housing crisis in Los Angeles. People who claim benefits for which they are not qualified deprive others of affordable housing. Funds used up by fraudsters could instead aid families truly in need.

If you would like to report someone you feel is committing housing fraud, please complete Internal Control’s  Fraud Referral Form. This is for HACLA contracted properties only.  (Many agencies administer public housing throughout Los Angeles County.  The property you wish to report may not fall under HACLA's jurisdiction.) Provide as much information as possible so that we may accurately identify the participant. Helpful information includes the participant’s:

  • Social Security number
  • Address with unit number and zip code
  • Date of birth
  • HACLA client number or vendor number

Describe the type of fraud in detail. Around what dates did you notice the suspect activity? What evidence do you see of fraud? Are you in possession of documents (such as a copy of a side contract, a phone bill proving residence at another location, etc.) that support your claim? Also, it is very helpful if names and numbers of people willing to talk to investigators are provided.

Please submit only one form per complaint. Follow-up forms may be submitted three months after the initial referral. Repeat forms concerning the same situation will be disregarded and shredded as processing of the original fraud referral is already in progress.