Health and Safety Code Violations in Rentals in Los Angeles

A landlord has a responsibility to keep rental units safe for tenants. Not only does a unit need to be in good condition at the beginning of the lease, but the landlord must ensure that it meets all health and safety code requirements throughout the entire lease term. Understanding California’s Health and Safety Code can be complicated, but an experienced habitability attorney can be a great resource. Let the team at CD Law answer your questions about potential health and safety code violations regarding a rental unit in Los Angeles. Reach out today.

What Is a Habitable Condition?

Landlords must ensure that their rental units are safe and habitable. A unit must comply with all health and safety code requirements as set forth by the State of California. These conditions include:

Adequate sanitation
Structural soundness
Safe fire and emergency exits
Working heat, air, electrical, and plumbing systems
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Working windows that can open at least halfway

To learn more about health and safety code requirements for rental units, speak with an experienced Los Angeles attorney who understands the complexities of habitability law.

Inadequate Sanitation

Health and safety concerns in Los Angeles rental units can arise from various issues, with one of the most common being inadequate sanitation. This might include a lack of hot or running water, an improper bathroom setup—such as missing a toilet, bathtub, or shower—or the absence of a sewage disposal system. Inadequate sanitation can also refer to insufficient garbage storage or disposal and a lack of access to safe drinking water. Additionally, a rental unit may be considered in violation of California health and safety codes if it has infestations of insects, vermin, or rodents.

Structural Hazards

The California Health and Safety Code includes specific guidelines for structural hazards that can lead to violations. For example, if a unit has a deteriorating or inadequate foundation, it may be considered a violation. Flooring and floor supports also need to be in good condition—defective or deteriorating floors can lead to code issues. Any splitting, leaning, or buckling in walls, partitions, or other vertical supports, often due to defective materials or structural deterioration, can also violate health and safety standards. Additionally, ceilings, roofs, and their supports cannot sag, split, or buckle, and fireplaces and chimneys must be stable, without bulging or settling, and sized to carry their load safely. Addressing these structural hazards is essential to maintain safe living conditions.

If you have concerns about potential structural hazards in your rental unit, consulting with an experienced Los Angeles attorney who understands the Health and Safety Code can provide clarity and guidance on your situation.

Steps To Take If Your Landlord Has Violated Health and Safety Codes

If you believe your landlord has violated the California Health and Safety Code, start by documenting the issues thoroughly. Take pictures, keep a detailed log of what is not working, and gather as much evidence as possible; this documentation will strengthen your case. Be sure to keep copies of any attempts you have made to contact your landlord about these issues. Submit a written notice of the violations to your landlord, so you have a record of your efforts to resolve the problems.

If you have notified your landlord and the issues still have not been addressed, it may be time to reach out to an experienced Los Angeles lawyer with experience in health and safety code violations for rental properties.

Contact a Los Angeles Rental Attorney About Health and Safety Code Violations

Landlords have a legal duty to maintain their rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. In California, this includes complying with the Health and Safety Code, which sets standards to ensure properties remain safe for tenants. Ensuring compliance means addressing any potential hazards—like structural issues or safety violations—that could impact tenant well-being.