Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
the apt i live in has been with my mom, and myself for nearly 20 years. i have been under some sort of construction since january. i asked to be moved to a more up to date apt, with less construction hassles, but was told my rent would increase about $300+ from my rent controlled amount at $1190. I have a very spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath, with a large kitchen and living room, plus a small patio. my question is...i am currently waiting to begin a third renovation to my master bath shower. the walls had rotted from the next apt and my closet walls had to be replaced, and my entire bathroom was gutted and redone. the tile was laid improperly. the man had to come back and fix the grout which was cracking and flaking. now i must have it done a third time since he botched the job, again. am i legally able to ask for a reduction in rent? i feel i cannot trust the outside contractors work, from painters to tile, to even the mgrs husband doing work and have resorted to replacing all the caulk in the other bathroom since i have to wait for the master shower to be finished before they can work on the rotting walls, deteriorating tile/grout, cracked toilet tank and chipping/ peeling paint to be worked on. im in construction hell! i need help! im paying for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath but can only use one bathroom for a family of 4. i also worry for the safety of my 2 kids, ages 2 and 10. but i love my apt size! its enormous! please help!!!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Given that you are under the jurisdiction of the L.A. City rent board, your best bet is to contact them about your situation. The construction may be sufficient to make your unit uninhabitable, though I'm not sure. They have special rules in the rent control ordinance and regulations about construction. Check with them.
It sounds like your landlord made and is making substantial repairs without following the proper procedures under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance of the City of Los Angeles. At the very least, you have suffered diminished services and you are entitled to a reduction of rent. Report your situation of the Housing Department for the City of LA (LAHD). You can find contact information for the City of Los Angeles Housing Department at their web site: http://lahd.lacity.org/. It would also be a good idea for you to consult an attorney well-versed in the City of LA's Rent Stabilization Ordinance, like me.
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