Landlord/Tenant Issues

Uninhabitable Unit

• California Law requires your unit to be “habitable” – meaning, in compliance with state and local health and safety codes. Your landlord is required to make necessary repairs if the unit becomes unfit to live in. Generally, a rental unit is required to have the following:
• Functioning toilet, sink and bathtub/shower in a vented room that allows privacy
• Kitchen with a sink
• Natural lighting in each room through a window or skylight
• Windows in each room must open at least halfway for ventilation or contain a fan that provides ventilation
• Safe emergency exits leading to a hallway or stairs
• Working dead bolt locks on main entry doors
• Smoke detectors in working order
• A lockable mailbox for each unit

Moreover, a rental unit may be deemed uninhabitable or unlivable due to:

• Presence of lead hazards: many older buildings still contain lead-based paints, which are dangerous for tenants’ health
• Presence of mold
• Presence of vermin, pest and rodent infestations
• Lack of effective weather protection and waterproofing
• Substantial plumbing issues
• Lack of gas lines in working order, if applicable
• Lack of a properly functioning heating unit
• Faulty/poorly maintained electrical system
• Rental unit and surrounding areas are not clean/sanitary
• Lack of adequate trash disposal

Premises Liability

• If you’re injured due to poor maintenance of the building, then you may be entitled to compensation. Common hazards include:
• Insufficient lighting
• Insufficient security measures
• Inadequate warning signs
• Inadequately maintained elevators
• Uneven pavement and trip hazards
• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Inadequately maintained stairs (e.g. missing handrails, obstructions like unraveling carpet or wires, etc.)
• Defects in structures such as balconies, patios, decks, terraces, etc.
• Dangerous swimming pools

Call us today at 818-251-8787 to discuss your specific case.