Every tenant in California deserves a safe and fully functional living space during their stay. A landlord has to ensure that the space remains habitable for residents. If your landlord has been ignoring your repeated requests to make repairs, knowing your legal rights may help.
What does California law say?
Being forced to live in a property that is unsafe or in disrepair is a violation of your legal rights. According to California law, landlords have to keep their rental properties in a habitable state by attending to repair requests regularly. There should be proper sanitation, adequate heating, functional plumbing, a weatherproof roof and other necessities that make that place habitable.
What should you do now?
Repair issues are common and resolvable. Follow these practical steps for a smooth solution:
- Step 1: Ensure the repair is the landlord’s responsibility. When the house lacks proper sanitation, a weatherproof roof or other facilities that ensure a safe and functional living space, it is most likely the landlord’s responsibility.
- Step 2: Send a written request to your landlord asking them to repair. It can be through an email or a letter. Keep it polite, precise and factually correct.
- Step 3: If your landlord has refused to respond to your request despite providing them reasonable time (usually 30 days), you can make the repair by yourself and deduct those expenses from your rent.
- Step 4: When the landlord refuses to cooperate, you may file a complaint with the local code enforcement office. Make sure to document the defects with photos and videos.
The sooner you take action, the better it is for your legal standing as a tenant.
When might you require legal assistance?
When the talks with the landlord don’t yield any result or their action results in unjustifiable financial or health risks, seeking legal guidance could be your best option. With the help of an attorney who is experienced in real estate law, you can better decide your next course of action that protects your rights as a tenant.
