When neglected repairs become harassment
Yes, in some situations. When a landlord deliberately refuses needed repairs or lets conditions deteriorate as a way to pressure a tenant into leaving, that can be part of a pattern of harassment — on top of being a habitability violation.
Landlords are required to keep rentals habitable, so ignoring serious repairs already breaches that duty. But when the refusal appears aimed at forcing you out — for example, letting problems pile up after you asserted your rights, or fixing everyone's issues but yours — it can look like an intentional campaign to make your home unlivable so you give up and move.
This kind of conduct can overlap with retaliation, which is illegal under Civil Code Section 1942.5, and with local anti-harassment protections.
Keep a clear record of your repair requests, the landlord's responses or silence, and the timeline, especially in relation to any complaints you made. A pattern is often the key. If you believe your landlord is weaponizing repairs — or the refusal to make them — to push you out, a free, confidential review can explain your rights and options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.