Rent when you can’t live there
It depends on the circumstances, and this is an important question to sort out rather than assume. When a unit is uninhabitable and you cannot live there during repairs, whether rent is owed for that period can turn on what caused the problem and the specifics of your situation.
If the unit is genuinely unlivable because of a condition the landlord was responsible for, it may be unfair to charge full rent for a home you cannot use, and rent may be reduced or abated for that time. Some local relocation rules and agreements also address rent during displacement. On the other hand, the answer can differ depending on the cause and any arrangement the parties reach.
Getting clarity in writing — about the expected length of the displacement, temporary housing, and rent — helps avoid disputes later.
Because paying, or not paying, rent at the wrong time can create problems, this is a good area to get advice on before acting. If you are temporarily relocated and unsure about your rent obligations, a free, confidential review can help you understand your situation and protect yourself.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.