Which leaks count as emergencies
A serious water leak — like a burst pipe, active flooding, or a heavy leak during a storm — is usually treated as an emergency the landlord must address right away, often through emergency maintenance.
Not every leak is an emergency. A slow drip under a sink is different from water pouring through the ceiling. But leaks that are actively flooding the unit, threatening a ceiling collapse, or creating electrical hazards call for an immediate response, day or night. Many landlords keep an emergency-maintenance line for exactly these situations.
If your landlord ignores a true emergency leak, the delay itself can make the habitability problem worse and add to the damage. Document the emergency, note when you reported it, and keep any requests you sent. If your landlord will not respond to an emergency leak, a free review can help you understand your options.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.