As a tenant in California, if your landlord is not making necessary repairs to your rental property, you have several options for seeking relief.
First, you can contact your landlord and inform them of the needed repairs. California law requires landlords to provide and maintain habitable housing, which includes meeting all building codes and making necessary repairs. If your landlord does not respond, or fails to make repairs within a reasonable time frame, you can take additional steps.
One option is to file a complaint with your local housing authority, which has the power to enforce state and local housing codes. You can also contact a tenant advocacy organization for help in resolving the issue.
If your landlord still does not make necessary repairs, you can withhold rent payments until they do. California law allows tenants to withhold rent in certain circumstances, such as when their landlord has breached the warranty of habitability. However, before doing so, you should give your landlord written notice of their breach and a reasonable time to make repairs.
Another option is to hire a contractor to make the necessary repairs and deduct the cost from your rent. This is known as the “repair and deduct” remedy, and is allowed under California law if the cost of the repairs is no more than one month’s rent, and you give your landlord written notice and a reasonable opportunity to make the repairs themselves.
Finally, if your landlord is refusing to make necessary repairs and you are experiencing serious health or safety hazards, you can vacate the premises and terminate your lease agreement. California law allows tenants to break their lease if their landlord breaches the warranty of habitability, but you should seek legal guidance before taking this step.
It is important to note that before taking any of these steps, you should consult with an attorney or tenant advocacy organization to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are following proper legal procedures.
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