Your Case

A unit is uninhabitable if it lacks basic health and safety features required by law, such as heat, hot water, working plumbing, weatherproofing, or is affected by issues like mold, pest infestations, or structural hazards.

No. California law protects tenants from retaliation. Your landlord cannot legally evict or harass you for reporting unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.

Landlords should respond quickly to repair requests, document all communications, and keep detailed records of inspections and maintenance. Proactive property upkeep is the best defense against costly tenant lawsuits.

Yes. If a landlord files for eviction due to nonpayment of rent, a tenant can raise habitability violations as a legal defense. For example, if essential repairs weren’t made, the tenant may argue that the unit was unlivable and rent was not legally owed. Landlords must ensure compliance with habitability standards before pursuing eviction.