Health and Safety Code Violations in Rentals in Rialto

Health and safety code violations in rentals in Rialto can have serious consequences for tenants. They may range from uninhabitable living conditions to potential health issues. If you are experiencing health and safety violations in your rental unit, you have the right to a habitable dwelling.

After receiving the proper notice, if your landlord fails to address these issues you can pursue legal action. An attorney at CD Law could guide you through the proper legal procedures, gather evidence, and help you pursue various remedies, including financial compensation.

What Are Common Health and Safety Code Violations in Rentals?

Violations of health and safety codes in Rialto rentals typically fall into several categories. Common examples include:

• Blocked or improperly marked emergency exits: Fire escapes, windows, and other emergency exits must be clear and accessible at all times
• Faulty electrical wiring and outlets: Exposed wiring, improperly covered electrical outlets, and frayed cords present a serious risk of fire or electrocution
• Pest infestations: Landlords are responsible for addressing infestations of rodents (mice or rats), cockroaches, and bedbugs, which can pose health risks
• Mold and water damage: Persistent leaks and poor ventilation can lead to mold growth, which can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems and allergies. Improper flashing around windows and doors can also contribute to water damage
• Raw sewage: Backed-up or leaking sewage poses a severe public health risk. Inadequate garbage disposal and storage can also create unsanitary conditions and attract pests
• Defective flooring, stairs, and railings: Loose floorboards, cracked tiles, or missing/improperly fastened handrails can cause serious injuries from slips and falls.
• Leaky roofs and collapsing ceilings: These issues can lead to water damage, mold, and potential collapse, creating an immediate and serious hazard
• Deteriorating foundation: An inadequate or deteriorating foundation can compromise the entire building’s structural integrity
• Lack of clean running water: Tenants must have reliable access to potable water in their unit
• Improper ventilation: Inadequate ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and poor indoor air quality
• Lead-based paint: In properties built before 1978, landlords are required to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards. The presence of chipping or peeling paint can result in lead poisoning, particularly in young children
• Asbestos: Disturbing materials containing asbestos during renovations or repairs can release hazardous fibers into the air. Landlords have an obligation to mitigate this risk

An attorney could offer tailored guidance to help you understand what comes next in your particular case.

Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

In California, both the covenant of quiet enjoyment and the warranty of habitability are fundamental tenant rights implied in every lease agreement. The covenant of quiet enjoyment protects you from substantial disturbances that interfere with peacefully occupying and using the rental property. The warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain the property in a livable condition that meets minimum standards for safety and health.

An attorney from our firm could inform your Rialto landlord in writing, such as a letter or email, of the health and safety code breaches in your rental unit and any necessary repairs. The notice should include a list of the problems, the date, and a reasonable deadline for repairs.

If a landlord breaches the covenants and fails to address repairs adequately, you may be able to terminate the lease early, seek rent refunds, or sue for damages. Compensation could cover financial losses, emotional distress, and any physical harm, illness, or damage caused by the habitability issues. For example, if you require medical treatment at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center or another health care facility due to injuries from the health hazard, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses.

Contact a Rialto Attorney Today About Rental Property Health and Safety Code Violations

It may be possible to negotiate resolutions for health and safety code violations in rentals in Rialto, allowing landlords to make repairs or provide rent reductions. If negotiation fails, your lawyer could advise you on the best course of action.

This could include pursuing a lawsuit against your landlord for damages related to the health and safety violations. The correct course of action will depend on your specific case. Contact CD Law today to discuss your legal rights in detail in a one-on-one attorney consultation.