Los Angeles, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: landlord refuses repairs for running water pressure more than a drip that can fit through a straw. What can I do?

Landlord refuses to return emails requesting a repair date. Any time I ask for a repair he tells me I should move. Constantly feel intimidated that I will be kicked out. When I ask for a repair or a date of a repair he loses his temper and ignores any contact. Has not installed fire detectors for over a year and I constantly ask him to do so. He has never not once done any repairs I've asked for. Ever. Barely any water for months. Can't even properly shower let alone wash dishes etc. Totally frightening and hostile environment.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If your landlord is refusing to make necessary repairs to your rental unit, you may have legal options to compel him to do so. Under California law, landlords are required to maintain a safe and habitable living environment for their tenants, which includes providing running water, proper sanitation, and adequate heating and ventilation.

You may want to consider sending a written request for repairs to your landlord, outlining the specific issues you are experiencing and providing a reasonable deadline for the repairs to be completed. If your landlord fails to respond or complete the repairs within a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to file a complaint with your local housing authority or file a lawsuit against your landlord for breach of the implied warranty of habitability.

Additionally, if your landlord is retaliating against you for requesting repairs or complaining about the condition of the unit, this may be a violation of California law. You may want to consult with a tenant rights organization or attorney to discuss your options for addressing this issue.

If you need legal assistance, feel free to contact my office. We also offer a free consultation option for potential clients.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.