Why roof leaks fall on the landlord
Yes. A roof leak is the landlord's responsibility in California. State law requires rentals to have effective weatherproofing and a roof that keeps out rain, so repairing roof leaks falls squarely on the landlord.
A leaking roof lets water into the unit, damaging ceilings, walls, and belongings, and it often leads to mold if it is not fixed. Keeping the roof and exterior weathertight is a core part of the landlord's duty to provide a livable home.
Temporary patches that fail every rainy season are not a real fix. The landlord is expected to actually repair the roof so the leaking stops, not just slap on a patch and wait for the next storm. If a roof leak keeps coming back and your landlord only patches it — or blames the rain — a free review can help you understand what they are required to do.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.