Your landlord is legally required to keep your home safe and livable. That means working utilities, functional plumbing, proper heating, and living conditions free from serious hazards. When something breaks, they have a set amount of time to fix it. Emergencies like no heat in winter or a sewage backup require immediate response. Standard repairs get 30 days.
But some landlords ignore repair requests, drag their feet, or let problems get worse hoping you’ll just move out. When that happens, California law gives you ways to fight back. You can file code enforcement complaints, use repair-and-deduct, or in some cases withhold rent. If the neglect is deliberate, it may qualify as harassment with penalties starting at $2,000 per violation.
The resources below explain what conditions qualify as uninhabitable, how long your landlord has to make repairs, and what steps you can take when they refuse.
California law requires your rental to have working heat, electricity, hot and cold water, safe plumbing, and freedom from hazards like mold, pests, or sewage. These aren't optional amenities. They're legal requirements.
Emergencies like no heat, sewage backup, or water shutoffs require landlord response within 24 to 72 hours. Standard repairs must be completed within 30 days of written notice.
If your landlord won't act, you may be able to fix the problem yourself and deduct the cost from rent, file code enforcement complaints, or withhold rent under specific legal conditions.
Your landlord can't punish you for requesting repairs. California law presumes retaliation if they raise rent, reduce services, or try to evict you within 180 days of a complaint.
Deliberately ignoring repairs, shutting off utilities, or letting problems get worse to pressure you out can qualify as harassment under TAHO, with penalties of $2,000 to $10,000 per violation.
Early legal intervention can save your home and protect your rights.
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Always ask for repairs in writing and keep a copy. If your landlord ignores you, report them to LAHD Code Enforcement at 888-557-7368 for apartments or LADBS at 888-LA4-BUILD for houses and condos.
If repairs have damaged your property or made your home unlivable, you may have a claim for damages. Tenant Justice can help.
Keep good records. Write down every incident with the date, time, and what happened. Get statements from neighbors and take photos or videos. If you’re in danger, call 911 right away.
Once you have evidence and want to pursue a harassment claim, Tenant Justice can file your case.
Yes, you have a private right of action against your landlord for harassment. This means you can file a civil lawsuit and potentially recover significant damages – often tens of thousands of dollars when multiple violations are proven. The law is designed to discourage landlord harassment by making it very expensive for them.
If you have documented harassment and want to explore your legal options, Tenant Justice offers case evaluations.
The harassment laws protect all tenants in Los Angeles, even if you’re not under rent control. These protections apply to everyone who rents.
If you’re being harassed and want to pursue legal action, Tenant Justice can help regardless of rent control status.
Yes, but they must give you a special disclosure form and file paperwork with the city. You have 30 days to change your mind after signing anything.
If your landlord didn’t follow the rules or is pressuring you to take a buyout, you may have a claim. Tenant Justice can help.
Landlords who harass tenants can face criminal charges with jail time or $1,000 fines. They may also have to pay you 3 times your damages plus $2,000 to $10,000 per violation. If you’re over 65 or disabled, the penalties can be even higher.
If you’ve been harassed and want to pursue damages, Tenant Justice can file your case.
Your landlord must give you 24 hours written notice before entering. The notice must say why they need to enter and what time they’ll come. You don’t have to be home, but they can’t abuse this right by coming too often or going through your personal stuff.
If your landlord entered illegally or is harassing you with constant entries, Tenant Justice can help you file a claim.
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