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.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
See how Mountain View's repairs & habitability rules stack up against other locations.
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