Los Angeles Habitability Lawyer

California has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the country, ensuring that rental properties meet basic habitability standards. However, just because these laws exist doesn’t mean every landlord follows them. Are you experiencing harsh living conditions? Taking legal action against your landlord may seem daunting; however, it is a right you have and the only way to receive compensation for your suffering.

By working closely with a seasoned Los Angeles habitability lawyer, you will be able to pursue your case as effectively and efficiently as possible. Reach out to the skilled personal injury attorneys at CD Law to learn more.

What Rights Do Tenants Have in Los Angeles?

In California, landlords are legally required to make sure all units in all residential buildings they own meet certain minimum standards for safe human habitation, including but not strictly limited to:

  • Functioning plumbing, including both hot and cold running water
  • Functioning locks on doors and windows
  • Insufficient heat
  • No insect or rodent infestations
  • Properly kept trash receptacles
  • Public stairwells, flooring, and lighting in good working order
  • No mold or moisture buildup
  • Functioning and safe electrical wiring and outlets

A Los Angeles habitability attorney can offer guidance about handling failures to provide these standards and unreasonable delays in maintenance and other issues.

Taking Legal Action Over Uninhabitable Residences

If poor conditions in your rental lead to an injury that could have been prevented, the landlord may be held responsible for the harm you have suffered because they did not follow state and local property maintenance laws. Beyond covering medical bills, a lawsuit or settlement can also help you recover other financial losses, such as lost wages, property damage, and even the costs of moving to a new place. A tenants’ rights lawyer in Los Angeles can also help you seek compensation for non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.

Landlord Harassment

Many people may shy away from taking legal action for fear that their landlord will retaliate against them for doing so. In California, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who assert their legal rights by filing a lawsuit over habitability concerns. Such retaliation might involve actions like raising the rent, cutting back on services, or trying to evict the tenant as a response to their legal claims.

If you think you are facing potential retaliation, do your best to not engage with your landlord unless necessary, and when you do communicate, document everything. Consulting with a lawyer in Los Angeles who is experienced in landlord-tenant law can help you understand your rights and options for addressing the issue.

How to Request the Return of Your Security Deposit

In addition to pursuing legal action for uninhabitable living conditions, tenants in California have the right to request the return of their security deposit after moving out. If your landlord has not returned your deposit within the required time frame or has unlawfully withheld it, you can write a demand letter asking for its return. For guidance on how to draft this letter, you can visit the California Courts page here, which provides detailed instructions on how to proceed.

Get Help from a Los Angeles Habitability Attorney

Protecting your rights as a tenant can be complex, even in a state with tenant-friendly laws like California. Fortunately, you can get support from an experienced legal professional who has successfully handled similar cases and knows how to navigate your situation effectively.

A conversation with a Los Angeles habitability lawyer could give you answers to essential questions and confidence about what steps you should take to protect yourself from your landlord’s misconduct.

Call CD Law today to schedule a meeting.