Living in Slum Conditions? Tenant Rights When Your Landlord Neglects the Property in California
What are slum housing conditions?
Slum housing conditions refer to unsafe, poorly maintained living environments where landlords fail to meet basic legal standards for habitability. These conditions can include serious hazards like mold, lead paint, asbestos, broken stairs, faulty locks, or unsafe walkways—problems that put tenants and their families at risk of injury or illness. Landlords are legally required to keep rental properties safe and livable, and when they neglect this duty, they may be held responsible. Tenants injured due to these dangerous conditions may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or even damage to personal property.
What are some examples?
Example 1: Tenants in an apartment building have had repairs ignored for years. There are rats and roaches everywhere, plumbing backs up, walls have holes, common areas are filthy, and most units have poor heating. Despite many complaints, the landlord does nothing or makes quick, ineffective fixes.
Example 2: At the Pinewood Apartments, multiple units have severe mold problems, broken heating, missing smoke detectors, and windows that don't lock. Residents have filed numerous complaints, but the landlord only makes cosmetic repairs when city inspectors visit.
Example 3: Tenants at the Oceanview complex share a courtyard filled with trash because the landlord stopped garbage pickup to save money. The stairwells have broken steps, hallway lights are always burned out, and most apartments have plumbing problems that cause flooding.
Example 4: Residents of Golden Palms Apartments deal with collapsing ceilings, gas leaks, exposed wiring, and broken security doors that allow strangers into the building. Many tenants have been robbed. Despite dozens of repair requests, the landlord only collects rent and makes empty promises.
Example 5: The Century Building has a roof that leaks into multiple apartments, causing widespread mold. The elevator hasn't worked in years, forcing elderly residents to climb stairs. Roaches and rats are visible in hallways, and the fire escape is partially detached from the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered slum housing?
What are common signs of slum housing conditions?
Is my landlord responsible for fixing these issues?
Can I get compensation if I’ve been hurt because of these conditions?
What should I do if I think I’m living in slum housing?
Can I be evicted for complaining?
How can SELATAG help?