What Conditions are Covered by the Warranty of Habitability in California?

Under California law, landlords are required to provide their tenants with a “habitable” unit.  There is a “warranty of habitability” included in every rental, automatically.

I am often asked what is covered under this warranty of habitability.  This post will outline which items are generally covered by the warranty of habitability in California.

• Weather protection – Effective waterproofing and weather protection.
• Plumbing and gas – Must be up to code and be maintained properly.
• Water – Hot and cold water up to code.
• Heating – Heating in the rental unit that complies with applicable law at the time of installation and maintained properly.
• Electricity – Proper lighting, wiring, and equipment.
• Clean and sanitary conditions – The unit must be clean and free from debris, garbage, rodents, and vermin.
• Trash facilities.
• Floors, stairways, and railings must be maintained properly.
• The unit must not endanger the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public of the occupants.
• The unit must be free of lead hazards.
• Properly working window and door locks – Dead bolt locks on the main door, and window locks on all windows that open.
• At least one usable telephone jack and the telephone wiring should be in working order.

The Law Office of David Piotrowski represents landlords throughout southern California and can assist with a tenant eviction.

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