Fullerton Habitability Lawyer

Under local municipal codes and California state law, landlords and residential property owners in Orange County have a legal obligation to keep all units safe and in “habitable” condition. Any landlord who fails to fulfill this obligation and allows a tenant to sustain injury or property damage can be held financially liable.

Pursuing this type of case requires guidance and representation from a seasoned injury attorney. Suppose you want to effectively take action over harm you have experienced due to your landlord’s insufficient property management. In that case, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Fullerton habitability lawyer from CD Law for assistance.

What Makes a Residence “Uninhabitable?”

While exact standards for habitability can vary somewhat across different areas, California Civil Code §1941.1 specifically lists the following nine requirements which, if substantially lacking, make a residential unit “untenantable” under state law:

• Unbroken windows and doors, as well as sufficiently water- and weather-proofed exterior walls and roof
• Plumbing or gas facilities in “good working order”
• Both hot and cold running water, as well as a functioning connection to a sewage disposal system
• Functioning internal heat
• Electrical lighting with wiring and equipment in good working order
• Sanitary grounds and public areas that are reasonably free of debris, trash, and animal infestations
• An adequate number of reasonably clean trash receptacles in good condition
• Floors, railings, and stairwells in good working order
• A locking mailbox or mail receptacle for each residential unit

Landlords are also expected to repair problems with these or any other amenities included in the lease within a reasonable amount of time after being made aware of them. During a private consultation, a Fullerton habitability attorney could discuss how local and state laws might apply to a specific property.

Recovering Fairly for All Available “Damages”

The “damages” a person harmed by a landlord’s negligent property management can pursue a lawsuit or settlement demand, can vary greatly depending on the specific type of harm suffered. Most often, claims addressed the direct financial reimbursement, such as relocation costs, costs of repairing or replacing damaged personal property, and medical expenses for injuries stemming from an uninhabitable living space.

In extreme situations, “non-economic” forms of harm, such as physical pain, psychological distress, and loss of  enjoyment of life due to long-term disability or disfigurement, can be compensated for. Working with a seasoned tenants’ rights lawyer in Fullerton can be particularly vital when pursuing the latter type of damages from a landlord or property manager.

Talk to a Fullerton Habitability Attorney About Your Legal Options

If you rent a residential property, you have the right to expect your unit to comply with basic legal standards for habitability. If you’ve been harmed because these rights were not upheld, you may be entitled to take legal action and seek financial compensation for the impact of this harm on your life.

Call CD Law today to learn what a Fullerton habitability lawyer can do for you.