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.
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco regulates noise under SSFMC Chapter 8.32 (Noise Regulations). The ordinance prohibits loud, unnecessary noise disturbing neighborhood pea...
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco prohibits nuisance barking under the general noise ordinance (SSFMC Ch. 8.32). Animal control in SSF is provided by Peninsula Humane Soci...
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco permits construction with a valid city permit weekdays 8 AM–8 PM, Saturdays 9 AM–8 PM, and Sundays/holidays 10 AM–6 PM. Equipment noise c...
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco enforces CVC 72-hour abandonment rule, street sweeping restrictions, and residential time-limit zones. The city is densely developed (bio...
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco requires vehicles to be parked on legal paved parking areas. Blocking public sidewalks is prohibited. Garage conversion ADUs do not requi...
South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco restricts large commercial vehicles from parking in residential zones. South San Francisco's industrial character means commercial vehicl...
See how South San Francisco'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.