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.
Selma, CA
Selma establishes decibel measurement criteria in Section 6-17-3 and monitoring procedures in Section 6-17-4. The prima facie violation threshold is 5 dB ove...
Selma, CA
Selma regulates amplified music through both its general noise ordinance (SMC 6-17-5) and public address system rules (SMC 6-17-8). Amplified sound exceeding...
Selma, CA
Selma applies the same 5 dB-over-ambient standard to industrial noise under SMC Chapter 17. The city has industrial and commercial zones along Highway 99 and...
Selma, CA
Selma addresses barking dogs under Section 6-2-10, which prohibits excessive noise and nuisance from animals. Dogs causing repeated disturbances through loud...
Selma, CA
Selma is not located near a major commercial airport. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 20 miles north, and Selma-based agr...
Selma, CA
Selma does not impose a blanket overnight parking ban on residential streets, making it more permissive than many California cities that restrict parking dur...
See how Selma's repairs & habitability rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.