Landlord Won't Make Repairs? Your Right to a Livable Home in California
What are habitability issues & code violations?
Are you dealing with a landlord who refuses to fix serious problems or maintain safe living conditions? In California, landlords are legally required to keep rental units habitable—meaning safe, clean, and livable according to state and local housing codes. Habitability issues and code violations include things like bed bugs, cockroaches, rats, mold, lack of hot water, no heat, faulty electricity, lead or asbestos exposure, water leaks, and unsanitary conditions. If you or your children are living in a rental with these problems and your landlord ignores your repair requests, you may be dealing with what’s commonly called a “slumlord”—and you have rights.
To take action, you must first notify your landlord in writing about the issue. They usually have up to 30 days to fix it, or less if it’s urgent—like flooding or no heat in winter. Keep a copy of your notice and any responses. If your landlord still refuses to act or if they harass or threaten you, SELATAG is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll stand with you and fight to make your home safe and livable again.
What are some examples?
Example 1: Maria's apartment has a leaky roof causing mold on the walls. Her heater broke two months ago during winter, and her toilet constantly runs. She has sent emails and letters about these problems, but the landlord hasn't fixed anything.
Example 2: Antoine's apartment has had no hot water for six weeks. He's been taking cold showers or heating water on the stove to bathe. Despite daily calls to the management company, the landlord claims the part to fix the water heater "is on backorder."
Example 3: Fatima's windows don't close properly, leaving large gaps that let in cold air and rain. During winter, her heating bill tripled, and water damage appeared on her walls. The landlord told her to "use plastic and tape" as a temporary fix, but never made proper repairs.
Example 4: David noticed a strong sewage smell coming from under his bathroom floor. He discovered sewage backing up from broken pipes. He called the landlord, who sent a handyman who only covered the mess with plywood. The smell continued, and David developed headaches and nausea.
Example 5: Sophia's apartment ceiling collapsed from water damage after months of reporting a leak. The landlord patched the hole but didn't fix the leak or replace water-damaged insulation. Now Sophia has a mold problem that triggered her child's asthma attacks, according to their doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are habitability issues?
What are common habitability issues or code violations?
What are my landlord’s responsibilities?
How long does my landlord have to fix the problem?
Do I have to report the issue in writing?
What if my landlord refuses to fix the problem?
Can I be evicted for complaining?
What should I do if I’m living in unsafe or unlivable conditions?