Asked in Environmental and Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: What is the procedure a landlord should follow when the hot water goes off for a unit?

Our hot water has been off for about 24 hours. When it went off, our landlord did not tell us personally instead he had other tenants going door to door saying, "Hot water's off till tomorrow". Now it is the next day, I still have not heard anything from my landlord about the whereabouts. I've even texted and called him, no answer. This has to be illegal.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: The landlord can shut off utilities for temporary service but should provide advance written notice. If it's for an extended period of time that the utilities are shut off, your landlord might have to provide alternative accommodations. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

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