California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat, water, electricity, and sanitation. If repairs fail after notice, a tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent under § 1942 or withhold rent.
Civil Code § 1941 requires a landlord to "put it into a condition fit for such occupation, and repair all subsequent dilapidations... which render it untenantable." Section 1941.1 lists required features: effective waterproofing, working plumbing, hot and cold running water, heating, electrical lighting, sanitary premises free of vermin, and floors, stairways, and railings in good repair. In Green v. Superior Court (1974), the California Supreme Court held this warranty is implied in every residential lease and is a defense to nonpayment. Under § 1942, if the landlord fails to repair within a reasonable time (30 days presumed) after notice, the tenant may repair and deduct the cost, not exceeding "one month's rent," "not... more than twice in any 12-month period."
Breach lets a tenant repair-and-deduct, withhold rent, sue for damages and rent abatement, or raise habitability as a defense in an unlawful detainer. Substandard conditions can also trigger code-enforcement penalties and, in serious cases, civil penalties under tenant-protection statutes.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
Folsom participates in the Sacramento County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program. Vehicles abandoned on public or private property can be reported to Folsom ...
Folsom, CA
Folsom requires an encroachment permit for new or modified driveway approaches. Driveway width, sight distance, and curb cuts are regulated under Public Work...
Folsom, CA
Garage sale signs in Folsom may be posted only on the sale property itself with the owner's consent. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, landscape medians...
Folsom, CA
Folsom permits small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes in all residential zones as a matter of right, consistent with Cal...
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