Who fixes leaks from pipes and fixtures
In California, the landlord is generally responsible for plumbing leaks, because the law requires rentals to have plumbing kept in good working order. Tenants are only responsible for damage they cause through clear misuse.
Leaks from pipes, faucets, water heaters, drains, and supply lines are usually the landlord's to repair, since maintaining the plumbing system is part of providing a livable home. A tenant might be responsible if they plainly caused the problem — for example, by breaking a fixture — but ordinary plumbing failures and aging pipes fall to the landlord.
Left unrepaired, a plumbing leak can quietly damage the unit and lead to mold, so prompt repair matters. Report leaks in writing and keep copies, even for small ones, so there is a record if the problem grows. If your landlord ignores a plumbing leak, a free review can help you understand what the law requires.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.