Fairfield, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing duty
- Civil Code Sec. 1941, via Section 27.203(b)
- Enforcing agency
- Chief of Police
- First offense
- Infraction, fine up to $100
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 or 6 months jail
- Treble damages
- Court may order 3x abatement costs
- Relocation duty
- Owner may owe relocation aid, Sec. 27.1201
Summary
Fairfield ties landlord habitability duties directly to California Civil Code Section 1941 through its community preservation code. Section 27.203(b) requires anyone with an interest in rental property to meet the maintenance standards of Section 27.401, and directs that the city's own rule be read consistent with the state's warranty of habitability.
Every owner of real property within the city, whether commercial, industrial or residential, is required to maintain the property in a manner so as not to violate the provisions of this code. The owner remains liable for violations regardless of any contract or agreement with any third party regarding the property. The owner of substandard residential property may be responsible for relocation assistance and other benefits to tenants, under section 27.1201 and following. Every occupant, lessee, or holder of any interest in property other than as owner thereof is required to maintain such property in a manner consistent with the standards described in § 27.401. California Civil Code § 1941 requires the lessor of a building intended for human occupancy to maintain the building in a condition which is fit for such occupation and to repair all dilapidation which render it untenantable. This Section 27.203 shall be interpreted in a manner which is consistent with Civil Code § 1941.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4962673; v0 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 27, Fairfield's Community Preservation ordinance, places habitability duties on both owners and tenants but keeps the owner ultimately accountable. 1201 and following. 203 be read consistent with that state duty. 401 itself lists the conditions that make a property a public nuisance, including structurally unsafe buildings, dry rot, warping or termite infestation, deteriorated exteriors, and fire hazards from wiring or gas connections, any of which can support a habitability finding against a landlord. 202. 205 makes a first violation an infraction with a fine up to $100, escalates a second violation within a year to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail, and lets a court impose triple abatement costs on an owner found responsible for a second or subsequent nuisance judgment within two years.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Fairfield's habitability and maintenance standards is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $100. A second violation within one year becomes a misdemeanor, carrying a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. A second or subsequent civil or criminal judgment within two years lets a court order the owner to pay treble abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fairfield have its own habitability code for rentals?
Who enforces habitability violations in Fairfield?
What happens if a landlord repeatedly ignores habitability violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle repairs & habitability.