Under California law, all residential rental units (apartments and rental houses) must meet California's Health and Safety laws to qualify as a legal rental unit. These laws are designed to ensure that all rental units are habitable for tenants to live in and to protect tenants from landlords that fail to meet these requirements when renting out to the public.

 

If your apartment does not meet the requirements listed below after you have notified your landlord or a health and safety officer, you may be entitled to compensation. 

 

You or your loved one's rental unit must possess these health and safety requirements prior to and during your rental period: 

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1. There must be effective waterproofing and weather protection (from rain, snow, excessive dirt, etc.) of the roof and exterior walls. This includes unbroken windows and doors throughout the property.

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2. All plumbing or gas facilities must be maintained in good working order. 

- This means there should be no water leaks, gas leaks, sink and toilet backups, or sewage backups.

- Your kitchen and all appliances should be in working order as well including proper ventilation.  

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3. A supply of water capable of producing hot and cold running water attached to appropriate fixtures (sinks/showers) and connected to a sewage disposal system.

 

4. Heating facilities maintained in good working order.

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5. Electrical lighting with wiring and electrical equipment maintained in good working order.

- This means no flickering lights are allowed. The lighting must be bright enough and consistent. 

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6. The building and surrounding grounds must be kept clean, sanitary, and free from all debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin.

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7. There must be an adequate number of appropriate receptacles (trash cans) for garbage and rubbish, in clean condition and good repair. 

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8. All floors, stairways, and railings must be maintained in good repair.

- There should be no presence of cracks on the walls or floors, the stairs must be in stable condition with no presence of cracks or chipping, and there must be no loose railing. 

 

(See California Civil Code Section 1941.1)

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If your landlord has failed to provide you with any of the above health and safety requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. 

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Contact us at 949-381-1687 or message us through our contact us page to see if you have a case with a FREE CASE EVALUATION.  

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