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.
Lincoln, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in Lincoln for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Bui...
Lincoln, CA
Owners may remove most trees on private property in Lincoln; removal of street trees or protected/heritage oaks requires city approval, and replacement may b...
Lincoln, CA
California has no statewide juvenile curfew, but cities and counties may impose one. Lincoln's curfew provisions sit in Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Wel...
Lincoln, CA
Lincoln's authority over sidewalk vendors is constrained by California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, codified at Gov. Code §§51036–51039). The City ma...
Lincoln, CA
Lincoln allows residents to bar door-to-door solicitation by posting a clear 'No Solicitors' or 'No Trespassing' sign at the property entrance. Permitted ped...
Lincoln, CA
Door-to-door peddlers and solicitors in Lincoln must obtain a Peddler Permit from the Lincoln Police Department under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 5.36. Th...
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