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California Tenant Rights Law Firm

Your Landlord Is Breaking the Law.
You Deserve Safe Housing — and Compensation.

If you're living with mold, pests, broken plumbing, or other dangerous conditions your landlord refuses to fix, a California habitability lawyer can help you fight back — and recover what you're owed.

No upfront cost. No fees unless we recover compensation for you.

You've Asked. You've Waited.
Nothing Has Changed.

You called. You texted. You sent emails. Maybe you even filed a complaint with your city. And still — the mold keeps spreading, the water keeps leaking, the pests keep coming back.

Living like this isn't just uncomfortable. It's a health risk. Mold exposure can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and serious illness. Sewage contamination brings dangerous bacteria into your home. Pest infestations spread disease. A landlord who ignores these problems isn't just being difficult — they're breaking the law.

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Toxic Mold Respiratory illness, allergic reactions, long-term health damage
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Pest Infestation Rodents, roaches, bedbugs — disease and misery under your own roof
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Plumbing Failures Leaks, sewage backups, no hot water — serious sanitation hazards
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No Heat or Utilities California law requires working heat. Lack of it is illegal.
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Structural Hazards Damaged ceilings, floors, walls — risks of injury every day
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Asbestos & Lead Older buildings with toxic materials left unfixed or undisclosed

Under California law, your landlord has a clear legal duty to provide and maintain a safe, livable home. When they fail to do that, they are liable. A tenant rights attorney can force them to act — and hold them accountable for the harm they've caused you.

What the Law Says About
Habitability in California

California has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country. Under the California Civil Code (§ 1941), every landlord is required by law to provide housing that is safe, clean, and fit to live in. This is called the warranty of habitability.

What does "habitable" mean under California law?

It means your home must have effective weatherproofing, working plumbing, adequate heat, safe electrical wiring, clean common areas, protection from pests, and freedom from conditions that endanger health or safety.

If your landlord fails to provide and maintain any of these conditions — and doesn't fix the problem after being notified — they are in breach of the warranty of habitability.

A breach of warranty of habitability is not just a lease dispute. It's a legal violation that can entitle you to financial compensation, rent reduction, and more. You don't have to simply live with it — and you don't have to fight alone.

California courts take these cases seriously. Landlord negligence is actionable, and tenants win real recoveries — including back rent, relocation costs, and damages for suffering caused by unsafe conditions.

Signs You May Have a Strong
Habitability Case

If any of the following sound familiar, you should speak with a habitability lawyer as soon as possible.

Compensation Our Clients
May Be Entitled To

The damages available in habitability cases vary depending on your situation, but may include some or all of the following:

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Rent Reimbursement

Recovery of rent paid during the period your unit was uninhabitable or substandard.

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Relocation Costs

Expenses incurred if you were forced or chose to leave due to unsafe conditions.

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Property Damage

Compensation for personal belongings damaged by mold, water intrusion, or pests.

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Medical Expenses

Bills for treatment of illness, respiratory issues, or injuries caused by the conditions.

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Pain & Suffering

Damages for emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.

Punitive Damages

In cases of especially reckless landlord conduct, additional damages may be available.

Why Tenants Choose Us to
Fight Their Habitability Cases

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Tenant Rights Focus

We represent tenants — not landlords, not property management companies. Your interests come first, every time.

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Trial-Ready Attorneys

We don't just negotiate. Landlords and insurers know we're prepared to take cases to court when needed.

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No Upfront Fees — Ever

We work on contingency. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Zero financial risk to you.

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Thorough Investigation

We gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult experts, and build the strongest possible case for you.

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Aggressive Representation

We hold negligent landlords fully accountable and push for maximum compensation — not the quickest settlement.

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Personalized Attention

You'll know your attorney by name. You'll get real answers, clear communication, and consistent support.

3 Simple Steps to Get the
Help You Deserve

1

Free Consultation — No Obligation

Tell us about your situation. We'll review the conditions you're facing, your repair requests, your landlord's responses, and any health effects. This call is completely free, confidential, and comes with zero pressure. We'll give you an honest assessment of your legal options.

2

Investigation & Evidence Collection

Once we take your case, we get to work immediately. We gather documentation, obtain inspection records, interview witnesses, consult with experts where needed, and build a complete picture of your landlord's negligence and the harm it caused.

3

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We negotiate aggressively with your landlord and their insurer. If they won't offer a fair settlement, we take the case to court. Our goal is always the maximum recovery possible for everything you've endured — not just the fastest resolution.

Don't Wait — California Has
Deadlines on These Cases

Tenants in California have a limited time to take legal action. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to preserve evidence and build your case. Contact us today — it costs you nothing to find out where you stand.

Get My Free Case Review →

No fees. No risk. No obligation. If we don't win, you don't pay.

Get Your Free Consultation

Tell us about your situation. A tenant rights attorney will review your case and contact you within 24 hours.

🔒 Your information is 100% confidential. By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by our firm regarding your case. Attorney-client relationship is not formed until a written agreement is signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as uninhabitable living conditions in California? +
Under California law, a rental unit is considered uninhabitable if it lacks effective weatherproofing, working plumbing, adequate heating, safe electrical systems, or is infested with pests. Conditions like toxic mold, sewage leaks, structural hazards, lack of hot water, or the presence of asbestos or lead can all qualify. If the conditions make the unit unsafe, unsanitary, or significantly less livable than what you're paying for — that may be a violation of the warranty of habitability.
Can I stop paying rent if my apartment is uninhabitable? +
California law does provide options for tenants in uninhabitable units, including "repair and deduct" rights and rent withholding in certain circumstances. However, doing this incorrectly can put you at risk of eviction. Before taking any action on your own, you should speak with a tenant rights attorney who can advise you on the safest and most effective strategy for your specific situation.
What if my landlord retaliates after I complain? +
Retaliation is illegal in California. If your landlord raises your rent, files eviction proceedings, reduces your services, or harasses you after you report habitability issues or contact code enforcement, they may be violating California Civil Code § 1942.5. Retaliatory conduct can expose your landlord to additional legal liability on top of the original habitability claim. Document everything and contact our office right away.
How long do I have to file a habitability claim in California? +
The statute of limitations depends on the type of claim. For breach of warranty of habitability, you typically have three years from when conditions occurred or were discovered. Personal injury claims related to habitability conditions may have a two-year window. These deadlines are strict — missing them can mean losing your right to recover. Don't wait to speak with a habitability lawyer.
What evidence should I gather before calling a lawyer? +
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case. Helpful evidence includes: dated photos and videos of the conditions, written communications with your landlord (texts, emails, letters), records of any repair requests you made, code enforcement inspection reports, medical records if you or your family suffered health effects, and any records of rent paid during the problem period. If you don't have all of this, don't worry — call us anyway. We can help you identify and preserve evidence.
How much does it cost to hire a habitability lawyer? +
Our firm handles habitability cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free. There is no financial risk in finding out whether you have a case.

You Paid for a Safe Home.
Your Landlord Has a Legal Obligation to Provide One.

If they've failed that obligation, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Fill out the form above or call our office now for a free, confidential case review with a California habitability lawyer. There's no cost, no commitment, and no risk — only the chance to get the answers you deserve.

Start Your Free Case Review → ☎ (818) 588-4050

No fees unless we win. Available 24/7.

Attorney Advertising. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by your use of this site or submission of a contact form until a written engagement agreement is signed. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This firm is licensed to practice law in California. Results may vary depending on the specific facts and legal circumstances of your case.