The risks of withholding rent over rodents
California gives tenants some options to withhold rent or use "repair and deduct" for serious problems, but these come with strict rules and real risks — including possible eviction if done incorrectly. Get legal advice before you stop paying rent.
The law does let tenants respond to habitability problems in certain ways, but withholding rent is not a simple do-it-yourself remedy. There are requirements about how serious the condition is, the notice you must give, and how much you can hold back, and a misstep can lead straight to an eviction case. Landlords often move quickly when rent stops, even when the tenant had a genuine complaint.
The safer path is usually to document the infestation thoroughly, keep paying if you are unsure, and talk to an attorney about the right approach for your situation. Before withholding rent over rodents, a free review can help you understand the rules and the risks first.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.