Chewed wiring and the fire-hazard risk
Yes. Rats and mice chew constantly and can damage belongings, food, walls, insulation, and even electrical wiring — and gnawed wiring can create a fire hazard.
Rodents gnaw to keep their teeth worn down, so they chew through packaging, clothing, furniture, and cables. Damaged electrical wiring is especially concerning because it can raise the risk of a fire, which makes it a safety issue as well as a nuisance. Rodents also contaminate food and soil the areas where they nest.
This kind of damage is part of why a serious infestation is treated as more than an inconvenience. Keep any damaged items, photograph them with dates, and report electrical concerns to your landlord right away, since a chewed wire is a hazard that should be handled quickly. If rodents have damaged your belongings or created a safety hazard your landlord ignored, a free review can help you understand your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.