​As a tenant in California, you have the right to live in a safe, habitable home. When a City or County Code Enforcement agency inspects your rental unit and finds health or safety violations, your landlord is legally required to fix those problems within 35 days of the notice.

 

Unfortunately, many landlords ignore or delay making repairs—leaving tenants to live with dangerous or unhealthy conditions. If this happens, you may be entitled to compensation under California law.

 

What Are Code Enforcement Violations?

Code enforcement violations typically involve serious health and safety hazards that make a rental unit “substandard” or uninhabitable. Examples include:

• Mold, leaks, or water damage

• Pest or rodent infestations

• Lack of heat, hot water, or electricity

• Broken windows or doors that affect security

• Unsafe plumbing or electrical wiring

• Collapsing ceilings, damaged floors, or structural issues

• Sewage backups or unsanitary conditions

 

These issues fall under California Civil Code §1941.1 and Health & Safety Code §17920.3, which set minimum habitability standards.

Landlord’s 35-Day Deadline

Once code enforcement inspects the property and issues a notice, the landlord has 35 days to correct all violations.

If the landlord fails to fix the problems within that time (without good cause):

• The landlord cannot demand or collect rent

• The landlord cannot serve a rent increase notice

• The landlord cannot issue a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit

• The landlord may be liable for damages and penalties

 

Your Legal Rights Under Civil Code §1942.4

California Civil Code §1942.4 makes it clear:

A landlord may not demand rent, collect rent, or issue eviction notices if:

1. The unit substantially lacks basic habitability standards (heat, plumbing, free of pests, etc.) or is declared substandard by code enforcement.

2. A government agency has given the landlord written notice to repair or abate the violations.

3. The problems remain unfixed after 35 days without a valid excuse.

4. The issues were not caused by the tenant.

 

Penalties for landlords:

• Tenants can recover actual damages (for harm suffered)

• Statutory damages between $100 and $5,000

• Attorney’s fees and court costs

 

Why You Need a Habitability Attorney

Landlords often try to avoid responsibility, delay repairs, or intimidate tenants into staying quiet. A skilled California tenant rights lawyer can:

• Hold landlords accountable through legal action

• Protect you from retaliation or wrongful eviction

• Secure compensation and damages you are owed

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At Sedehi Law, we fight for tenants dealing with unsafe living conditions and negligent landlords.

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Free Case Evaluation

If code enforcement has cited your landlord—and the problems still haven’t been fixed—you may have a strong case.

📞 Call us today at 949-381-1687 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Let us help you protect your rights and get the safe, habitable home you deserve.