Illustration — no photo of this home on file yet
Royal Garden Board & Care III
Small home·Licensed for 6·Tarzana, California
- Care approvals on fileDementia · Hospice · BedriddenState licensing record · September 13, 2026
- Estimated starting rate$4,950 a monthCovelight estimate · likely $4,050–$6,100
- Home sizeLicensed for 6Small care home · a licensed care home (RCFE)
- Room at the last state visit6 of 6 beds occupiedSeptember 21, 2021 · not a current opening
- Ways to payAsk the homeMedi-Cal ALW participation not on file
- Last state visitAugust 12, 2026CDSS inspection record
- Licence holderLabendze, SophiaSince 2002 · 2 licensed homes
Royal Garden Board & Care III is a small care home in Tarzana — a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), the licence category behind “assisted living” and “board and care.” It is licensed for 6 residents since 2002. Wheelchair and non-ambulatory care is not on file.
Built from CDSS public records · September 13, 2026. Every fact below names its source and date.
Quick answers and the state record
A citation does not make a home unsafe, and an empty file does not make a home good.
Quick answers about Royal Garden Board & Care III
Is Royal Garden Board & Care III licensed?
The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
How many residents is Royal Garden Board & Care III licensed for?
6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Has Royal Garden Board & Care III been cited?
2 Type A and 0 Type B citations since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. Those records count 7 state visits over the same years.
Is Royal Garden Board & Care III still open?
This license was on the CDSS roster as of September 28, 2026.
What does Royal Garden Board & Care III cost?
$4,950 a month to start is a Covelight estimate, likely $4,050–$6,100. This home’s own rate is not on file. Ask: “What is the all-in monthly rate, and what would push it higher?”
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 11 small homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Among 228 other homes of a similar licensed size across Los Angeles County that publish a starting rate, the middle half runs $4,000 to $6,300 a month, and the middle figure is $5,000 (n = 228 other homes publishing a starting rate).
Each of those is a home’s own published figure, gathered on its own date in September 2026 — not an average of ours, and not a survey. Similar size means small and mid-size homes counted together, and large communities counted on their own, because they are different markets.
A home outside the band is not overcharging or underpricing: a starting rate covers different things in different homes, which is the first thing to ask about.
The price is made in the phone call. Nothing here is a quote, an offer or a discount.
A starting rate is the room and the base care. California homes commonly bill care levels, medication management, supplies, transport and a second person in the room as extras. Many also charge a one-time fee at move-in. Ask for that list in writing before anything is signed.
Only prices a home put out itself count here: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price a listing site says the home confirmed. Prices a site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
Does Royal Garden Board & Care III take Medi-Cal?
On Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver: this home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
Who holds the license?
The license is held by Labendze, Sophia, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Is there a hospital nearby?
Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center is 1.6 miles away in a straight line, per the CDPH licensed-hospital list dated September 16, 2026. See licensed care homes near it.
Can Royal Garden Board & Care III keep a resident on hospice?
Hospice care is approved on this license, covering up to 6 residents, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
Royal Garden Board & Care III license and inspection record
- Name on the license: “ROYAL GARDEN BOARD & CARE III”, per the CDSS roster as of May 25, 2025.
- License #197603747. The state lists this license as “Licensed,” per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- Licensed for 6 residents — a small home, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- Licensed to Labendze, Sophia, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- First licensed in 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- 7 state inspection visits since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
- 2 Type A and 0 Type B citations on file since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. The same records count 7 state visits in that period.
- 1 complaint and 1 substantiated allegation on file since 2002, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026. One complaint can carry several allegations.
- The most recent state visit on file is August 12, 2026, per CDSS records as of September 13, 2026.
California writes these definitions for every licensed home, not for this one. CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗
Can they support the care needed?
California licenses a home for specific kinds of care. The state’s record lists what this home is approved for; the home’s own answers fill in what changes as needs change.
- Wheelchair / non-ambulatoryNot on file · ask the home
- Dementia / memory careApproved by the state
- Hospice careApproved · covers up to 6 residents
- BedriddenApproved by the state
State licensing record · September 13, 2026. An approval may cover specific rooms or residents; it does not establish an opening.
Read the state’s own wording
6 BEDRIDDEN. HOSPICE WAIVER FOR 6.
983 - RCFE / DEMENTIA
CDSS record, verbatim · September 13, 2026
As needs change
- Staying through hospice
Hospice waiver on file · covers up to 6 — care may continue at the end of life
Ask: “If hospice is needed, can care continue here until the end?”
State licensing record · September 13, 2026
- If memory loss develops
Dementia-care designation on file
Ask: “Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?”
State licensing record · September 13, 2026
3 more questions to ask the home
- Two-person transfers or a lift
Not on file
Ask: “If two people or a lift are needed to transfer, can the person stay?”
- Someone awake overnight
Not on file
Ask: “Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?”
- Medicines
Not on file
Ask: “Who manages the medicines, and what happens when a dose is missed?”
What it costs here
Covelight estimate
$4,950a month to start
Likely $4,050–$6,100
From 11 nearby homes that publish rates · this home’s rate is not on file
Likely monthly total
$4,950a month
Likely $4,050–$6,250
With a shared room and basic help.
An estimate for planning, not a quote. The price is made in the phone call.
See the full cost breakdownRoom, care and fees · how people pay · how this estimate works
Starting monthly rate$4,950likely $4,050–$6,100
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 11 small homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
Basic help with daily careUsually includedup to $600
Basic help is usually part of the starting rate. Homes that price care by level start around $600 a month (45 California homes publish a care-level range, seen in September 2026).
One-time move-in fee$2,000one time · likely $0–$4,000
Homes that list a one-time entry or community fee charge a median of $2,000 (134 California listings; middle half $1,000–$4,000). Many homes list none — ask.
- Likely monthly totalLikely $4,050–$6,250
- $4,950
- First monthWith a one-time move-in fee · likely $4,750–$9,350
- $6,950
How people payPrivate pay, Medi-Cal waiver, SSI/SSP, veterans, insurance
- Private payMost residents pay from savings, a home sale or family help. Ask for the rate and what it includes in writing.
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living WaiverThis home is not on the DHCS participation list dated September 23, 2026. Ask the program about current options. The waiver pays for care services, not room and board.
- SSI/SSPCalifornia’s 2026 standard is $1,626.07 a month; $1,444.07 of it goes to the home and $182 stays with the resident. Whether this home accepts it is not on file — ask.
- VeteransVA Aid & Attendance can add to a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Ask whether residents here have used it.
- Long-term care insuranceMost policies pay for licensed care homes. Ask what paperwork the home provides for claims.
- MedicareDoes not pay for room and board in a care home. It can still cover hospice or home-health visits inside one.
Avoid surprises on the billWhat changes the price, and what to ask
- The care level
Some homes charge one all-inclusive rate. Others add levels or points as needs grow. Ask how the level is set, who decides, and what the next level costs.
- What is billed separately
Medication management, incontinence supplies, transportation and a second person in the room are often extra. Ask for the list in writing.
- Move-in costs
A one-time community fee or deposit is common. Ask what it covers and whether any of it comes back if the stay is short.
- Increases
California requires at least 90 days’ written notice, with reasons, before a rate rises (Health & Safety Code §1569.655). A change in the resident’s care level is the section’s own exception and can be billed sooner.
- What is the full monthly cost for the room and care we need, and what does it include?
- What would the next care level cost, and who decides when it changes?
- What is billed separately, and is there a one-time fee or deposit at move-in?
- Is any private-pay period required before another payment program can begin?
How this estimate worksWithin 25% for 7 in 10 homes in testing
Covelight’s estimate starts from the rates 11 small homes within 5 miles publish, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices. In testing, the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 homes. This home’s own rate is not on file.
11 homes like this within 5 miles publish starting rates mostly between $3,800–$7,550.
- Only prices a home put out itself count: its own website, a listing it supplied, or a price Seniorly says the home confirmed. Prices a listing site shows without saying where they came from are left out.
- Nearby homes are the nearest of the same size that publish a rate, widening from 3 to 40 miles until at least 8 do. The estimate starts from what they charge, then adjusts for this home’s size, state care approvals, Medi-Cal waiver participation, years licensed and the area’s prices.
- Room, care-level, second-person and move-in lines come from what California homes publish on listing sites. Memory care uses Covelight’s researched premium over assisted living.
- Totals add each line’s figure and combine the lines’ ranges as separate charges, because a home is rarely at the top, or the bottom, of every line at once.
- We tested this estimate on 1,546 California homes that publish their own starting rate. It was within 10% of the real rate for 3 in 10 homes and within 25% for 7 in 10; the likely range held the real rate for 6 in 10 (September 12, 2026).
- It cannot see this home’s specials, how it assesses care, or which rooms are open.
Show the 11 nearby homes behind this estimate
- Blue Skies RanchTarzana · 0.3 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Elegance Care ResortTarzana · 0.7 mi · Small home$10,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Liebelove CareWoodland Hills · 0.9 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Wholesome Life Senior LivingCanoga Park · 3.4 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living private room · seen September 9, 2026
- Lily of the ValleyNorthridge · 3.5 mi · Small home$3,800Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- A Paradise in the ValleyNorthridge · 3.5 mi · Small home$5,000Listed on Seniorly · assisted living one bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Breath of Sunshine PlusNorthridge · 3.9 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · assisted living shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026
- Agape Senior ResidenceChatsworth · 3.9 mi · Small home$3,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- Elite Retirement ResidenceWest Hills · 4.1 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
- 4Th Generation Senior LivingWest Hills · 4.3 mi · Small home$4,500Listed on Seniorly · memory care shared bedroom · seen September 9, 2026. We don’t have this home’s dementia-care disclosure. California requires a home that advertises dementia care to describe that care in writing when you ask.
- My Home of AgingWoodland Hills · 4.9 mi · Small home$5,500Listed on Seniorly · seen September 9, 2026
Where it is
- 5809 Melvin Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91356Address from the public record · September 13, 2026. Confirm the entrance with the home before visiting.
Opening the neighborhood map…
The state record
California inspects every licensed home and publishes what it found. Here are the dated documents and the state’s own words, beside what is typical for homes this size.
Since 2021, the state has filed 7 documents for this home, and its records count 7 visits since 2002. The most recent is a facility evaluation report, dated August 12, 2026.
- On file since
- 2021
- State visits
- 7
- Most recent visit
- August 12, 2026
- Occupied · September 21, 2021 visit
- 6 of 6 bedsa count on that day, not an opening
We hold 1 complaint report the state published for this home, dated September 21, 2021. 1 of the 1 carries the state's recorded outcome word: “Substantiated” (1). 1 includes the transcribed allegation the state investigated, word for word. Summary composed by computer from the 1 complaint report below — every count derives from them, and the documents themselves are the state's records, verbatim. We never grade, score, or color a record.
Beside homes the same size
- Type A citations2typical 0
- Type B citations0typical 0
- Substantiated allegations1typical 0
- Total complaints1typical 0
“Typical” is the statewide median across the 6,808 licensed small board-and-care homes (6 or fewer beds) in the state record — larger, longer-licensed homes accumulate more visits and reports, so compare like with like. One complaint can contain several allegations. Counts cover this licence since 2002.
Year by year
The last 36 months — 3 of 7 documents
Aug 12, 2026Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
At approximately 1:10 p.m. on 08/12/26, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nicholas Reed conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with the licensee and administrator and disclosed the reason for the visit. The facility was last visited on 05/27/25 for an annual inspection. It is a gated, single story building with seven (07) bedrooms and eight (08) bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor areas. It has an approved fire clearance for six (06) bedridden residents. The facility serves residents with dementia. Approved hospice waivers for six (06). At the main entrance, LPA observed a resident relaxing with staff in the front shaded patio area. Once inside, postings were observed for confidential complaint contacts, ombudsman contacts, facility license, administrator certificates, facility sketch with evacuation routes clearly labelled, emergency disaster plan, personal rights, rights of resident councils, and neighborhood complaint procedures. A Visitor Log was located at the front. Walls, floors, windows, screens, and blinds were clean and in good repair. At 1:20 p.m. LPA measured the room temperature to be 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Common areas contained a piano, a karaoke machine, other musical equipment, reading materials, furniture in good repair, and exercise equipment. A fireplace was turned off and grated. The facility has seven (07) bedrooms in total. One (01) bedroom is designated as a staff room. The staff room was unlocked, attended, and free of hazards. All resident bedrooms were private. All bedrooms contained a chair, lamp, nightstand, storage, and a bed with adequate bedding. All furnishings were clean and in good condition. All exit doors were unlocked. All hospital beds had wheels in the locked positions. Bedroom #4 had a Hoyer lift. The facility had eight (08) bathrooms. All bathrooms contained liquid soap, paper towels, handwashing instruction sign, trash can with a lid, grab bars near the toilet and shower, and a non-skid mat in the shower. At approximately 1:40 p.m. LPA measured the water temperature in the private bathroom to Bedroom #5 be 108.4 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed an adequate supply of perishable and non-perishable foods in the kitchen and pantry. Emergency supplies of food were observed in the pantry. Appliances were in good condition. Sharps were locked in drawers. Cleaning solutions were locked below the sink. Medications and a complete first aid kit were locked above the counter top. A washing machine and dryer were located near the dining room. Both were in working order. Detergents were locked in a storage shed outside. Covered patios were located in the front, side, and rear of the facility. The patios contained furniture in good condition, gardened areas, and a gas grill. Two (02) out of two (02) emergency exit paths were free from obstructions. Fire sprinklers were observed throughout the home. Eight (08) out of eight (08) auditory alarms were on and functional. At approximately 2:00 p.m. LPA observed a fully charged fire extinguisher in the hallway. It was last inspected on 05/27/26. At approximately 2:10 p.m. smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. At 2:15 p.m. the house telephone was called and deemed operational. Around 2:30 p.m., LPA observed two (02) caregivers appropriately transfer a resident from their wheelchair to the couch. At 2:35 p.m. LPA conducted a record review of resident and personnel files. All files were complete and available for audit. During today's inspection, the facility was in compliance with Title 22 regulations. No immediate health and safety risks were observed. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 12, 2026
May 27, 2025Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
At approximately 12:10 p.m. on 05/27/25, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nicholas Reed conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with the licensee and disclosed the reason for the visit. The facility was last visited on 04/09/2024 for an annual inspection. It is a gated, single story building with seven (07) bedrooms and eight (08) bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor areas. It has an approved fire clearance for six (06) bedridden residents. The facility serves residents with dementia. Approved hospice waivers for six (06). At the main entrance, LPA observed two (02) residents relaxing in the shaded patio area with family. Once inside, postings were observed for confidential complaint contacts, ombudsman contacts, facility license, administrator certificates, facility sketch with evacuation routes clearly labelled, emergency disaster plan, personal rights, rights of resident councils, and neighborhood complaint procedures. A screening station containing a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, masks, and a visitor log was located at the main entrance. Walls, floors, windows, screens, and blinds were clean and in good repair. At 12:20 p.m. LPA measured the room temperature to be 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Common areas contained a piano, a karaoke machine, other musical equipment, reading materials, furniture in good repair, and exercise equipment. A fireplace was turned off and grated. The facility had seven (07) bedrooms in total. One (01) bedroom is designated as a staff room. The staff room was unlocked and free of hazards. All resident bedrooms were private. All bedrooms contained a chair, lamp, nightstand, storage, and a bed with adequate bedding. All furnishings were clean and in good condition. All exit doors were unlocked with auditory alarms on and functioning. All hospital beds had wheels in the locked positions. The facility had eight (08) bathrooms. All bathrooms contained liquid soap, paper towels, handwashing instruction sign, trash can with a lid, grab bars near the toilet and shower, and a non-skid mat in the shower. At approximately 12:35 p.m. LPA measured the water temperature in the private bathroom to Bedroom #6 be 108.0 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed an adequate supply of perishable and non-perishable foods in the kitchen and pantry. Emergency supplies of food were observed in the pantry. Appliances were in good condition. Sharps were locked in drawers. Cleaning solutions were locked below the sink. Medications and a complete first aid kit were locked above the counter tops. A washing machine and dryer were located near the dining room. Both were in working order. Detergents were locked in a storage shed outside. Three (03) covered patio areas were located in the front and side of the facility. The patios contained furniture in good condition and a gas grill. Gardened areas were maintained. The property was appropriately fenced and separated from the adjacent properties. Two (02) out of two (02) emergency exit paths were free from obstructions. Fire sprinklers were observed throughout the home. At approximately 1:00 p.m. LPA observed a fully charged fire extinguisher in the hallway. It was last inspected on 04/21/2025. At approximately 1:15 p.m. smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. At 1:30 p.m. the house telephone was called and deemed operational. LPA conducted a record review of resident and personnel files. All files were complete and available for audit. During today's inspection, the facility was in compliance with Title 22 regulations. No immediate health and safety risks were observed. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 27, 2025
Apr 9, 2024Facility evaluation reportReport on file
Type of visit: Required - 1 Year
At 1:15 p.m. on 04/09/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nicholas Reed conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with the administrator and disclosed the reason for the visit. LPA and administrator toured the facility inside and out at 1:20 p.m. The facility was last visited on 05/27/2023 for an annual inspection. It is a gated, single story building with seven (07) bedrooms and eight (08) bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor areas. It has an approved fire clearance for six (06) bedridden residents. The facility serves residents with dementia. Approved hospice waivers for six (06). At the main entrance, LPA observed postings for confidential complaint contacts, ombudsman contacts, facility license, administrator certificates, facility sketch with evacuation routes clearly labelled, emergency disaster plan, personal rights, rights of resident councils, and neighborhood complaint procedures. A screening station containing a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, masks, and a visitor log was located at the main entrance. Walls, floors, windows, screens, and blinds were clean and in good repair. At 1:25 p.m. LPA measured the room temperature to be 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Musical equipment, reading material, and exercise equipment were located outside and in the common areas. The facility has seven (07) bedrooms in total. One (01) bedroom is designated as a staff room. The staff room was unlocked and free of hazards. All resident bedrooms are private. All bedrooms contained a chair, lamp, nightstand, storage, and a bed with adequate bedding. All furnishings were clean and in good condition. All exit doors were unlocked with auditory alarms on and functioning. The facility has eight (08) bathrooms. All bathrooms contained liquid soap, paper towels, handwashing instruction sign, trash can with a lid, grab bars near the toilet and shower, and a non-skid mat in the shower. At approximately 1:55 p.m. LPA measured the water temperature in the shared bathroom to be 110.1 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed an adequate supply of perishable and non-perishable foods in the kitchen and pantry. Emergency supplies of food were observed in the pantry. Appliances were in good condition. Sharps were locked in drawers. Cleaning solutions were locked below the sink. Medications were locked above the counter tops. A washing machine and dryer were located near the dining room. Both were in working order. Detergents were locked in a storage shed outside. Covered patio areas were located in the front of the facility in the rear. The patios contained furniture in good condition. All emergency exit paths were free from obstructions. At approximately 2: 05 p.m. LPA observed a fully charged fire extinguisher in the hallway. It was last inspected on 07/31/2023. At approximately 2:15 p.m. smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and operational. At 2:25 p.m. the house telephone was called and operational. At 3:00 p.m. LPA conducted a record review of resident and personnel files During today's inspection, the facility was in compliance with Title 22 regulations. No immediate health and safety risks were observed. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 9, 2024
What the state’s words mean
CDSS citation definitions (PDF) ↗ · CDSS complaint outcomes ↗
Who holds the licence
Labendze, Sophia, licensed since 2002, operates 2 licensed homes in California. Running more than one home is common and is neither good nor bad on its own.
- Royal Garden · Valley Glen
Life here
Rooms, meals, the rhythm of a day, faith and language, pets and house rules — as the home describes them. Tap any detail for its source and date; nothing here is graded.
The home has not described daily life anywhere we have reviewed yet — that is the case for most small homes, and it says nothing about the home. These questions fill in the picture; keep the ones that matter to you.
Before you call
Ask every home the same questions — the state’s record does not answer these. Keep the ones that matter and they travel with your saved homes.
- What is included in the monthly rate, and what costs extra?
- Who is awake overnight, and how do residents ask for help?
- Can we read the dementia care disclosure and discuss how daily support works?
- What could change whether someone can stay here?
- Can we see a bedroom and share a meal during a visit?
Other homes nearby
The nearest licensed homes in Los Angeles County, closest first. Every listed home appears on the same terms.
Royal Garden Board and Care II
Tarzana · Small home · 0.1 mi away
$4,800 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Advanced Home Care Senior Living
Woodland Hills · Small home · 0.2 mi away
$5,450 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Blue Skies Ranch
Tarzana · Small home · 0.3 mi away
$4,500 a month to start · Listed by the home
A Plus Board and Care
Woodland Hills · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$5,600 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Caring Love Boarding Care
Tarzana · Small home · 0.4 mi away
$5,350 a month to start · Covelight estimate
Be Well Senior Living II
Tarzana · Small home · 0.5 mi away
$4,900 a month to start · Covelight estimate