Across California, Health & Safety Receiverships are helping cities reclaim abandoned, dangerous, and substandard properties—without burdening taxpayers. This court-backed process allows a receiver to step in, rehabilitate or demolish unsafe structures, and restore neighborhood safety through private financing. It’s a proven solution that turns blight into community renewal while protecting public resources.
How Cities Can Appoint a Receiver to Restore Unsafe or Abandoned Properties
Every city has one: a neglected structure draining resources, frustrating neighbors, and resisting compliance orders. When repeated citations fail to bring results, cities can turn to a powerful court remedy that solves the problem permanently—Health & Safety Receivership.
When can a city petition the court to appoint a receiver?
A city may file a petition when a property presents serious code violations affecting health or safety and the owner fails to comply after due process. Under California’s Health & Safety Code §17980.7(c), and similar statutes in Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado, the court can appoint a qualified receiver to take control and rehabilitate the property.
What documentation does the court need to see?
The petition typically includes:
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A detailed inspection report or declaration from code enforcement
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Copies of violation notices and compliance orders
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Evidence that the owner failed to act within a reasonable timeframe
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A proposed receiver with proven experience and financial capacity
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This ensures transparency and judicial confidence before appointment.
What laws authorize this process?
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California: Health and Safety Code 17980.7 et. seq. reinforces accountability and expands jurisdiction for receiverships.
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Arizona: A.R.S. §12-1241 authorizes receivership for public nuisance abatement.
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Nevada: AB211 (2025) empowers counties to address substandard multifamily housing through receivership.
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Colorado: SB25-020 (2025) allows receiverships to tackle blighted residential buildings.
What role does the city play after appointment?
Cities remain active partners—monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with local codes, and providing coordination support. However, the receiver carries out all financing, contracting, and reporting under court supervision.
How to Appoint a Receiver
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Identify the property with serious code violations.
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Document enforcement actions, notices, and owner noncompliance.
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Partner with a qualified receiver experienced in rehabilitation financing.
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Petition the court for appointment under applicable state law.
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Monitor progress while the receiver executes court-approved remedies.
City Partnership Example
In Garden Grove, California, a long-vacant property plagued by fire damage and trespassing was abated through receivership. Griswold Receivers rehabilitated the structure, resolved liens, and restored the property to market-ready condition—all without city expenditure.
FAQs
Does a receivership require public funding?
No. The receiver arranges private financing to complete rehabilitation, which attaches to the property as a lien. There is no taxpayer burden.
How long does the process take from petition to completion?
Typically 12–18 months, depending on court scheduling and repair scope. The intent behind every unique case is to obtain compliance safely and as expeditiously as possible, without compromising the integrity of the process.
Can receivership be used on commercial or mixed-use properties?
Yes. If the property violates health, safety, or building standards that endanger occupants or the community, receivership can be used on single family, multifamily, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties.
- Authored by Red Griswold, Receiver and CEO of Griswold Receivers.
Griswold Receivers provides Health & Safety Receivership services across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado, working alongside municipal partners, housing authorities, and city attorneys to restore safety and community value.
Learn more or request consultation at griswoldreceivers.com
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