Common Habitability Issues in Rental Properties in Fullerton

As a resident of a rental property in California, you have rights under state law that entitle you to a safe and habitable living space. If your landlord fails to respect those rights and instead provides you with an uninhabitable dwelling, you may have the right to take legal action and even seek compensation for harm they have caused you.

However, not every unwanted condition inside an apartment, condo, or other rental unit can necessarily serve as grounds for a habitability lawsuit. This is why it is important to fully understand your rights before pursuing litigation. Here are some of the common habitability issues in rental properties in Fullerton that our habitability attorneys have helped tenants like you file suit over.

Is the Property Unsanitary?

One of the basic responsibilities that landlords in our state legally owe to their tenants is to ensure that their properties are clean and sanitary. If a landlord fails to keep their rental property habitable by providing clean and functional bathroom facilities, providing proper containers for trash disposal, and ensuring the regular pickup of trash from designated areas, an attorney from our Fullerton office could help you build a lawsuit over this common issue.

Is There Mold Buildup?

Mold is another common basis for habitability lawsuits in Fullerton rental properties primarily because it is often a secondary effect of other serious issues in the unit. Specifically, mold buildup often indicates a plumbing leak or airflow problem that a landlord has previously failed to address. If so, they have a duty to correct this for the sake of your physical health and the structural integrity of their property.

Are There Pests?

Yet another common habitability issue in rental units is infestations of cockroaches, mice, bedbugs, or other animals. This is often related to other habitability issues. In addition to providing reasonably sanitary living conditions, state law obliges landlords to promptly resolve pest problems by contracting with a pest control company or performing treatments themselves.

Are There Electrical Hazards or Other Maintenance Issues?

Finally, a landlord’s failure to ensure that their property is in a safe structural condition is a common justification for legal action under state habitability laws. Faulty wall switches or outlets that pose a risk of electrocution provide a prime example of this type of issue. Other examples include holes in drywall, protruding nails or screws, and loose floorboards or floor tiles.

Contact a Fullerton Attorney Over Common Rental Habitability Issues

You deserve to have safe living conditions in your apartment or any other type of dwelling unit for which you sign a lease. This applies regardless of the unit’s age, its location, or the person responsible for managing it. State law is on your side if you need to proactively enforce your rights because of your landlord’s neglect.

However, pursuing legal action over common habitability issues in rental properties in Fullerton, such as those listed above, can be very difficult to manage on your own. Contact CD Law today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how our habitability attorneys can assist you.