Lancaster, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: HOW LONG AFTER A FIRE DOES A LANDLORD HAVE IN WHICH TO MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: You actually ask two questions. How long to fix, and what is my rent obligation? If the premises is "uninhabitable" due to the damage from the fire, you may have a reduced rent obligation, or even none at all. Repairs should be done asap, and this is usually within a couple of weeks to 30 days. Sounds like you LL could be pocketing the insurance money while collecting full rent from you. Take lots of photos, if you only take a few, you are sure to miss the one that is acutually needed. Sue for a rent abatement/reduction in Small Claims. If the repair could cost less than one month's rent, you could resort to repair and deduct from your rent, after giving the LL notice of at least 2 weeks to do the repair.

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Manuel Alzamora Juarez
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Answered

A: If you were a tenant, you have to negotiate with the LL for a reasonable amount of tiime. Or if the LL is claiming that he does not have a contract anymore then you should consult with an attorney to recover your belongings. If you were injured by smoke inhalation or fire then you have a claim for personal damages. Best of luck

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