Using repair and deduct—carefully
California has a "repair and deduct" law that can let a tenant fix a serious problem and subtract the cost from rent in limited situations — but it has strict rules and limits, so it is easy to get wrong. Get advice before using it.
Repair and deduct generally applies only to conditions that make a home unlivable, requires giving the landlord notice and a reasonable time to fix the problem first, and caps how much you can deduct and how often you can use it. A mistake — deducting too much, acting too soon, or for the wrong kind of problem — can lead to an eviction case.
Because the details matter so much, it is worth talking to an attorney before you try it. Before you repair and deduct over a plumbing problem, a free review can help you do it safely.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.