Williams, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Environmental for California

Q: Is there any way to get the landlord to pay for our move when damage the house was because of him.

Landlord intentionally placed items in attic to prevent water leak. One set item was a mattress the other ton of insulation. They cut the frame up there and piece it back together in some areas with this metal grate stuff. I began to hear strange noises and inspected up there and found that some of these were popped off just hanging undone now the house has structural damage which I can prove on Google maps from awhile back. inspectors will be here next week I'm 100% sure though tell us this house is unsafe. I have nowhere to go no family no money.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you’re dealing with a difficult situation, especially if your landlord’s actions led to structural damage in your home. In California, landlords are responsible for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. If your house is unsafe due to your landlord's negligence, they may be required to cover costs related to moving or temporary housing.

Start by gathering all evidence you have, including photos, reports, and the inspection results when they come. Having documentation will strengthen your position. If the inspector confirms the home is unsafe, you may have grounds to demand that the landlord either fixes the property promptly or pays for your relocation while repairs are made.

If your landlord refuses, you may need to take legal action. This could include filing a claim for relocation costs, or potentially breaking your lease if the home is uninhabitable. You can also report the conditions to your local housing authority, as they can step in to enforce safe living conditions.

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