Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

i recently moved into an apartment complex in southern california. we discovered that the hot water heater and furnace were not functioning, 1-2 days after moving in. after confirming that the gas utilities were transferred properly to our new address, we contacted the leasing office/ maintainence staff about the issue. they determined the water heater needs repair. we were told the appropriate part was ordered and would take about a week to get here.

we've been showering and washes dishes at the nearby apartment of a friend for a week now and when we requested that the management supply us with a space heater or allow us to deduct from rent to purchase one, they said it was not an option.

i've heard that in these types of situations they're supposed to put tenants up in a hotel until the unit is livable again. is there a way to get them to meet me half way? thanks.


Asked on 12/05/09, 1:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Heat and hot water are basic habitability requirements in California. They have no right to rent when heat and hot water are not provided. You can report them to the local health and building departments. More help and information in your local area is available at: http://www.fairhousingoc.org/landlord.html

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Answered on 12/10/09, 11:27 am


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