California Tenant's
Fun Facts & Information
for California Renters
-
Your landlord/ property owner has legal obligations that they must attend to in a timely manner!
-
Get everything in writing!
-
Landlords must provide a request to enter your unit at least 24 hours before needing to enter unless of an emergency( ex: water leak, gas leak etc).
-
Legally as a tenant you are entitled to a signed receipt from landlord when you pay rent with (cash, money order ,check etc).
-
The "Rent Withholding Remedy" by law a tenant is allowed to withhold rent if the landlord does not fix previously reported serious defects that violate Habitability ( ex: Collapse/ Non-repair of bathroom ceilings, continued presence of rats, roaches, unusable sinks in kitchen/bathroom etc) the rent can be used to make repairs.
Helpful Tips
-
Create a paper trail of all communications and work done in or around the unit.
-
Make documental complaints!
-
Report issues direct in writing text email to manager owner clearly often with pictures videos included.
-
Your landlord cannot negatively retaliate to a renter's complainant.
Speak up!
One of the most important aspects of knowing your rights is using your voice when you know your tenant's rights are being violated!
TENANTS TOGETHER is another helpful resource. Select the download file button to be re-directed to sample letters that will help you appropriately use your voice !