Some rental homes have serious problems. Mold spreads on the walls. Plumbing leaks under the sink. Rats chew through drywall. Wires hang loose. When a landlord knows about these issues and does nothing, tenants have legal options. Many renters contact Castelblanco Law Group when conditions in their homes become unsafe.

What the Law Says About Dangerous Conditions

California law requires landlords to provide housing that meets basic health and safety standards. This includes working heat, clean water, functioning electricity, and protection from pests. If any of these systems break down or become hazardous, the landlord must repair them.

The law does not allow landlords to delay these repairs for long. Once you give notice, the landlord has a limited window of time to respond. That time varies depending on the issue, but dangerous conditions must be handled quickly.

How to Notify Your Landlord the Right Way

Write a letter or an email. Describe the condition. Include the date and your address. Explain what you want the landlord to fix. Keep a copy of what you send. Do not rely on phone calls or casual conversations.

If the problem continues, send a second message. Keep it short. State that you already contacted them and nothing has changed.

Contact a City or County Inspector

If your landlord refuses to make repairs, contact your local code enforcement office or health department. Many cities have housing inspectors who will come to your unit and check for violations. These inspectors look for things like broken appliances, mold, pest infestations, and structural hazards.

The inspector may issue a notice to the landlord. That notice can require the landlord to make repairs within a set number of days. A copy of this notice can support your legal case later.

Keep Records of Everything

Take photos of the damage. Store emails and letters. Write down the times you contacted the landlord. Save all receipts if you buy cleaning supplies or hire someone to make temporary repairs. If you miss work or move out for health reasons, keep those records as well.

These details can help if the landlord denies responsibility. Courts rely on dates, photos, and written proof.

What You Can Do as a Tenant

Tenants in California have several tools they can use when landlords fail to act.

You may be allowed to use the repair and deduct method. This means you hire a licensed contractor to fix the problem, then subtract the cost from your rent. You must give written notice first. The repair must relate to health or safety. Keep all documentation.

You may also be allowed to withhold rent. In this situation, you stop paying rent until the repairs are made. This can be risky. Some landlords file for eviction. If you choose this path, speak with a tenant lawyer first.

You may have the right to move out. This is called constructive eviction. If a judge agrees that the unit became unlivable and the landlord failed to fix it, you may not owe further rent. You may also be able to recover your security deposit and moving costs.

You may be able to sue the landlord. A lawsuit may claim that the landlord violated the implied warranty of habitability. This type of case may include claims for repair costs, medical expenses, or emotional harm caused by dangerous conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not stop paying rent without a plan. Do not make large repairs on your own unless the law allows it. Do not agree to verbal promises from your landlord without written proof.

If the landlord threatens eviction, do not move out without understanding your rights. Speak with a tenant attorney or legal aid group before taking major steps.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A tenant lawyer can help you review your options. They can help you file claims, respond to eviction notices, and seek compensation if needed. Some lawyers work on a contingency basis. Others may connect you with nonprofit groups that offer free help to renters.

A lawyer may also contact the landlord directly and demand repairs. In many cases, landlords take action when legal pressure begins.

What to Do Next

Continue to document everything. Take new photos as the damage spreads. Keep track of communication. Request an inspection if you have not done so already. If the hazard creates a health risk, get a doctor’s note. Follow instructions from your local housing office. Speak with a lawyer if the problem becomes more serious or if the landlord takes legal action against you.