Every California rental comes with an 'implied warranty of habitability.' Landlords must keep the unit livable: working plumbing, hot and cold water, heat, electricity, weatherproofing, safe and sanitary conditions, working locks, and no serious pest infestations.
Civil Code §§1941–1941.1 require landlords to maintain rentals in a habitable condition. Core requirements include effective waterproofing and weather protection, working plumbing and gas, hot and cold running water, adequate heating, safe electrical wiring, clean and sanitary common areas, adequate trash receptacles, working smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and functioning door/window locks. A unit with serious defects that endanger health or safety may breach the warranty, giving the tenant remedies (see repair options). Tenants must also not cause the damage themselves.
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