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.
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City prohibits construction noise in residential areas outside of 7 AM–8 PM weekdays. Construction on weekends and holidays is prohibited if it excee...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City prohibits dogs from creating excessive noise that disturbs neighbors under Chapter 5 (Animals and Fowl) and the general noise ordinance. Animal ...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City regulates noise under City Code Chapter 24. General quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM–7 AM Friday through Saturday. O...
Redwood City, CA
Commercial vehicles over 6 feet high or 20 feet long are prohibited from parking on public streets or private property in residential areas of Redwood City. ...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City has residential permit parking zones with 2-hour limits Monday–Friday 7 AM–6 PM. Three permits per household are issued. Street sweeping restric...
Redwood City, CA
Redwood City requires all vehicles to be parked in legal paved parking spaces on residential property. Blocking sidewalks is prohibited. Garage conversions t...
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