The landlord’s minimum duties
A California landlord must provide a rental that is safe, sanitary, and fit to live in, with the essential systems working and the living space secure and weatherproof. This duty lasts the whole tenancy, not just move-in day.
At a minimum, that means working plumbing with hot and cold running water; a safe heating system; working electrical wiring and lighting; a structure that keeps out rain, wind, and cold; secure locks on doors and windows; and living areas free of rodents and insects. Landlords must also keep shared areas clean and safe, provide adequate trash containers, and follow local building and health codes.
Just as important, landlords must make repairs to keep the home livable over time. If a serious system breaks — heat, water, electrical, or sewage — the landlord is generally responsible for fixing it within a reasonable time after you report it. When a landlord falls short of these basics, you may have legal options worth exploring.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.