Just closed on a home in Playa Vista? Between keys, movers, and cable appointments, it’s easy to miss small steps that cause big headaches. You want the lights on, the elevator reserved, and your HOA paperwork squared away on day one. This guide gives you a clear, local move‑in plan: who to call, what to schedule, and how Playa Vista’s master association and building HOAs work together. Let’s dive in.
How Playa Vista HOAs work
Playa Vista has a master association called PVPAL that maintains parks and landscaping, operates the CenterPointe Club and The Resort, and coordinates community security. In some phases, residents also receive a base cable or internet package and basic alarm monitoring through the master services. You can find community contacts on the official Playa Vista site at the CenterPointe Club page (Playa Vista community contacts).
You will also have a building or neighborhood HOA with its own monthly dues. These typically cover building operations such as common‑area maintenance, elevators, garage maintenance, water or trash where applicable, and the master insurance policy for common areas. Master dues in Playa Vista are commonly in the low‑to‑mid 200s per month, and building HOA dues vary widely by property. Always verify the exact amounts and what’s included in the resale package before you move.
At closing, many Playa Vista resales include a one‑time Community Enhancement Fee equal to 0.75 percent of the purchase price. Some parcels also carry Mello‑Roos or special district taxes. Review your escrow and title documents and confirm details with your manager.
Start or transfer utilities
Electricity and water: LADWP
Service in Playa Vista is through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Set up or transfer your account and review start timelines with LADWP. If you arrive to find service off or need to report an outage, use LADWP’s customer channels and outage resources (LADWP resources).
Natural gas: SoCalGas
If your home has gas appliances, set up service with Southern California Gas Company. Have your ID ready and ask about any deposit or on‑site access needs for meter rooms or equipment (SoCalGas Help Center).
Trash and recycling
In most Playa Vista condo buildings, trash and recycling are arranged by the building HOA and included in dues. For single‑family pockets or bulky items, use LA Sanitation and MyLA311. The LASAN customer line is 1‑800‑773‑2489. Ask your manager how bulky items are handled and whether a private vendor is used.
Internet and cable
Spectrum and AT&T are commonly available in Playa Vista, and some phases include a base cable or internet package through the master association. Availability and speeds vary by building. Run address checks and book install windows early.
Alarm monitoring and permits
Some homes receive basic alarm monitoring through community services. If you have a monitored alarm, the City of Los Angeles requires a police alarm permit with annual renewal. Confirm your permit status with your alarm company and update contact info when you move.
EV charging
If you plan to install an EV charger, confirm your building’s approval process, electrical capacity, and any metering rules. LADWP maintains EV program resources and rebate information that can help you plan your setup (LADWP EV programs).
Your move‑in timeline
2–4 weeks before
- Order the HOA resale or transfer package if you’re in escrow. Review CC&Rs, bylaws, budget, reserve study, insurance summary, rental and pet rules, and the move‑in policy. The Davis–Stirling Act outlines what must be disclosed (Davis–Stirling overview).
- Set start or transfer dates with LADWP and SoCalGas. Ask if someone must be present for access to utility rooms or meters.
- Book internet installation early. Appointments can fill quickly in larger buildings.
- Reserve the elevator with your manager and request written move‑in rules, deposits, insurance requirements for movers, and inspection procedures.
- If your movers need street space, apply for a Temporary No‑Parking or tow‑away permit with LADOT and post signs on time (LADOT permits).
1 week before
- Confirm mover details, time window, elevator reservation, and insurance certificates. Bring your building’s Move‑In Agreement and deposit check if required. Many buildings require a refundable elevator/common‑area deposit and proof of insurance for movers (example move rules).
- Arrange bulky‑item pickup if needed and coordinate bin access with building staff.
Day of move
- Meet management or security for keys, fobs, amenity cards, and elevator padding checks. Take before/after photos of common areas.
- Confirm that electricity, water, and gas are active. If you experience an outage, use LADWP outage channels for updates (LADWP outage resource).
Within 1–2 weeks after
- Register vehicles for resident parking or garage access and request guest passes if your building uses them.
- Confirm billing transfers for LADWP and SoCalGas and set up e‑billing if desired.
- Activate amenity access with PVPAL and your building, including pool or gym cards, garage remotes, and any shuttle passes (Playa Vista community contacts).
HOA essentials to request
Must‑have documents
Ask for a complete resale package that includes CC&Rs, bylaws, operating rules, budgets and reserve study, insurance summary, assessment and enforcement policies, and any rental or age restrictions. Confirm delivery timelines and fees. If anything is missing, request it in writing.
Insurance: master policy and your HO‑6
Obtain the association’s certificate of insurance and confirm the master policy deductible. Know whether your building is insured to bare walls or walls‑in so you can set proper interior coverage. Your HO‑6 should include loss‑assessment coverage at a level that matches potential master deductibles (what condo association insurance covers, loss‑assessment basics).
Move rules, fees, and deposits
Get the building’s Move‑In policy, elevator reservation steps, time windows, deposits, and insurance requirements for movers or contractors. Many buildings require advance reservations and will conduct a pre‑ and post‑move inspection.
Questions to ask your manager
- Which utilities are included in master or building dues and which are billed to me directly?
- What are the exact move‑in fees and refundable deposit amounts?
- How do I reserve the elevator and what is the typical lead time?
- What are the rules for guest parking and street parking near my building?
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Don’t assume utilities are included. Some buildings cover water and trash while others do not. Read your resale package closely.
- Expect a move fee and a separate refundable elevator deposit. Confirm amounts and inspection procedures before you book movers.
- Know the master policy deductible and set HO‑6 loss‑assessment coverage accordingly. This protects you if a large deductible triggers a special assessment.
- If you need curb space, get a Temporary No‑Parking permit from LADOT. Vehicles parked in violation are subject to towing (LADOT permits).
Local contacts at a glance
- Playa Vista community and PVPAL: 310‑437‑6070, CenterPointe Club contact page (Playa Vista contacts)
- LADWP start or report service: 1‑800‑DIAL‑DWP (1‑800‑342‑5397) (LADWP resources)
- SoCalGas customer support: see Help Center for start service and ID requirements (SoCalGas Help Center)
- LA Sanitation bulky items: 1‑800‑773‑2489 (MyLA311)
- LADOT Temporary No‑Parking permits: apply online (LADOT permits)
If you want local, step‑by‑step guidance tailored to your building and closing timeline, we’re here to help. Reach out to Robin Zacha for a quick plan and neighborhood insights that make move‑in smooth.
FAQs
What does the Playa Vista master association (PVPAL) cover?
- PVPAL maintains parks and landscaping, runs the CenterPointe Club and The Resort amenities, coordinates community security, and in some phases includes base cable or internet and basic alarm monitoring through master services.
How do HOA fees work in Playa Vista for new owners?
- You typically pay two assessments: the master PVPAL dues and your building HOA dues, which together cover community amenities and building operations; always verify current amounts and inclusions in the resale package.
Which utilities do I set up when moving to Playa Vista 90094?
- Electricity and water are through LADWP and natural gas is through SoCalGas, while trash is often arranged by the building HOA and bulky items are scheduled with LA Sanitation via MyLA311.
Do I need a permit for my monitored alarm in Los Angeles?
- Yes, the City of Los Angeles requires a police alarm permit for monitored systems with annual renewal, so confirm your permit number with your alarm company during move‑in.
What is the Playa Vista Community Enhancement Fee at closing?
- Many Playa Vista resales include a one‑time Community Enhancement Fee equal to 0.75 percent of the purchase price, and some parcels may have Mello‑Roos or special district taxes noted in escrow documents.
