GFCI outlets and the landlord’s safety duty
Modern electrical codes call for special shock-protection outlets, known as GFCI outlets, near water — such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. These outlets are designed to cut power in a fraction of a second if they sense a dangerous fault, which helps prevent shock.
In general, these code requirements apply when a home is built or when wiring is significantly remodeled, rather than forcing landlords to retrofit every older unit. So an older rental without GFCI outlets is not automatically illegal.
That said, a landlord still must keep the electrical system safe. If outlets near water are shocking people, sparking, or clearly unsafe, that is a habitability and safety problem the landlord should address, regardless of the outlet's age.
If you are worried about missing shock protection near water — especially if someone has been shocked — it is worth understanding your rights. A free, confidential review can explain what the law requires in your situation and what you can ask your landlord to do.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.