Broken Plumbing and Sewage Issues in Los Angeles Rentals

Living with broken plumbing and sewage issues in Los Angeles rentals is highly frustrating. Leaking pipes, backed-up toilets, and raw sewage are not just unpleasant, they are unsafe. State law requires landlords to provide livable conditions, and plumbing systems are a critical part of that obligation.

When your landlord is ignoring repeated requests for repairs, or offering temporary fixes that do not solve the problem, it may be time to speak with a habitability attorney. We help tenants protect their rights by holding landlords accountable and ensuring they comply with the law or face legal consequences.

Which Plumbing and Sewage Issues Violate the Law?

Los Angeles landlords are legally required to maintain all plumbing and sewage systems in their rental properties in a safe and working condition, and to repair any faults promptly. This includes ensuring access to clean water, functional flushing mechanisms, and working drainage systems that prevent flooding or backup. If these conditions are not met, the unit may be considered legally uninhabitable under California Civil Code § 1941.1.

You may have a case if your rental has:

• Constant or major leaks from pipes, sinks, or toilets
• Backed-up sewage in showers, tubs, or floors
• Unusable or overflowing toilets
• Lack of hot water or no water at all
• Mold, odors, or property damage caused by leaks

These issues are often more than just an inconvenience. Exposure to raw sewage can lead to serious health issues, including infections, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. We usually see families forced to live in unhealthy, even dangerous, conditions while waiting for landlords to respond, something no tenant should have to endure.

Documenting the Problem and Holding Your Landlord Accountable

Before taking legal action, it is essential to properly document the plumbing or sewage issues in your Los Angeles unit. This helps show the court or housing authority exactly what you are dealing with, making it harder for your landlord to deny responsibility.

We recommend:

• Taking clear, dated photos or videos of leaks or sewage backup
• Saving any written complaints you sent to your landlord
• Logging each time you contact management
• Noting any time missed from work, added expenses, or medical symptoms
• Requesting an inspection from the city’s housing department

Many landlords attempt to delay repairs by blaming tenants or patching issues without addressing the root cause. That is where we could help. We review the history of the problem, communicating directly with your landlord or their legal team, and demand meaningful repairs or compensation for the hardship you have faced.

Legal Options for Tenants

If your landlord refuses to act on the plumbing problems or if the repairs are not done correctly, you may be entitled to compensation as a Los Angeles tenant. In some cases, you could even recover money for pain and suffering, medical costs, and the loss of your personal property.

Depending on the facts, you may have a variety of legal options. You could file a lawsuit for breach of the implied warranty of habitability or seek rent reimbursement or a reduction in rent value. You could also ask the court to order repairs or impose penalties on the landlord. It may also be possible to recover costs for hotel stays, cleaning, or replacing damaged items.

Every case is unique; it is beneficial to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the specific laws that protect tenants in the city. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay us unless we win or settle your case. This allows you to focus on finding stability, while we focus on achieving results.

You deserve to live in a safe, functioning space. We have helped countless tenants take action against neglectful landlords, securing repairs, obtaining compensation, and restoring peace of mind.

Talk to Our Los Angeles Team About Damaged Plumbing or Sewage Backup in Your Rental

As a tenant, it can sometimes feel like your landlord has all the power. However, state law requires landlords to maintain their property in a safe and habitable condition. Broken plumbing and sewage issues in Los Angeles rentals violate those laws.

Start by sharing your story during a free consultation, your rights matter, and we’re ready to help you protect them.