Health and Safety Code Violations in Rentals in Fullerton

Tenants have the right to live in a dwelling that meets basic habitability standards. You pay rent each month to live in a safe, clean, and structurally sound home. State laws enforce those rights by describing basic habitability standards. Yet, not every landlord abides by these laws. When you are forced to live in substandard conditions, you have the right to take legal action against your landlord.

Health and safety code violations in rentals in Fullerton can result in serious injuries and illnesses. When you work with a skilled habitability lawyer, you can protect yourself against your landlord’s misconduct and receive compensation for medical costs related to your poor living conditions. Let the team at CD Law answer your questions and explain how you can protect your rights as a tenant.

Regulations to Protect Tenants

Landlords in California are required to maintain rental units and common areas in a way that makes them habitable in the eyes of the law. Laws that deem a residence habitable are described in California Health and Safety Code § 17920.3. A substandard building is one that has inadequate sanitation or structural hazards.

Inadequate Sanitation

Rental units are required to meet certain sanitation standards to ensure a safe home for the tenants who live there. Some of the most common examples of inadequate sanitation include:

• Lack of a properly functioning bathroom and bath or shower
• Lack of a properly functioning kitchen sink
• Lack of hot and cold running water
• Lack of minimum required natural light and ventilation
• Infestation or insects, vermin, or rodents
• Visible mold growth

Inadequate sanitation can lead to illnesses that require medical treatment you and your family would not have needed in a habitable residence.

Structural Hazards

Structural instability can endanger the health and welfare of tenants with an environment that can lead to injury, exposure to the elements, plumbing issues, electrical issues, etc. Some of the most common structural hazards seen in Fullerton rentals include the following.

• Deteriorated or inadequate foundations
• Defective flooring or floor supports
• Defective walls or vertical supports
• Unsafe fireplaces or chimneys
• Unsafe wiring
• Improper plumbing
• Faulty weather protection
• Lack of or improper exits

Structural hazards often lead to accidents and injuries that require costly medical care.

Taking Legal Action Over an Uninhabitable Residence

Tenants in Fullerton have the right to live in a habitable residence that provides a safe environment for all occupants. When a landlord fails to comply with state laws after poor living conditions are reported, tenants have the right to take legal action. Occupants of an uninhabitable residence can seek damages for medical bills related to injuries or illness caused by unsafe living conditions, lost wages, and the costs of moving to a new place. In some cases, tenants can recover compensation for non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

Contact a Fullerton Lawyer to Learn More About Safety Code Violations in Rental Units

Health and safety code violations in rentals in Fullerton violate your rights as a tenant. If you are living in a building classified as substandard by the California Health and Safety Code, a Fullerton habitability lawyer could help you take legal action against your landlord.

All too often, tenants do not take legal action because they fear they will face higher rent, eviction, or limited services. These types of retaliation are against the law. Living in a substandard rental unit can impact your health and the health of your family. Getting support from a legal professional will help you protect your rights. Contact the skilled attorneys at CD Law to get a free and confidential consultation.