Repairs and Habitability in Los Angeles

1. Your home must have working basics. That means a roof that keeps out rain, unbroken windows and doors, working plumbing and gas, hot and cold water, and working heat.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1941.1(a)(4)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

2. The home must also have safe wiring and lights. The building and grounds must be clean and free of trash, rats, and bugs. Floors, stairs, and railings must be in good repair.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1941.1(a)(8)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

3. For leases signed, changed, or extended on or after January 1, 2026, the landlord must also provide a working stove. A working refrigerator is required too, unless you agree in writing to bring your own.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1941.1(a)(11)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

4. Step 1: ask for the repair in writing and keep a copy. The city recommends this, and your copy becomes your proof later.

   Los Angeles Housing Department TAHO FAQs

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

5. Step 2: give the landlord a reasonable time. After 30 days with no fix, the law presumes the landlord took too long. Serious dangers can justify a much shorter wait.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1942(b)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

6. Step 3 option: fix it yourself and subtract the cost from rent. The repair can cost up to 1 month of rent. You can use this tool at most 2 times in any 12 months.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1942(a)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

7. Another option: move out because the home is unlivable. From the day you leave, you stop owing rent.

   California Legislature Civil Code § 1942(a)

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

8. If the landlord ignores you, report the problem to the city. Call the LAHD Code Enforcement Unit at 888-557-7368 for apartment buildings. Call LADBS for a condo or single family house.

   Los Angeles Housing Department TAHO FAQs

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

9. A city inspector will check unsafe conditions in multifamily buildings and can order the landlord to fix them. Inspectors never ask about your immigration status.

   Los Angeles Housing Department File a Complaint

   ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

10. In Los Angeles, stalling repairs to harass you breaks the city Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance. This city law covers every rental in the city, not just rent stabilized units.

    Los Angeles Housing Department TAHO FAQs

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

11. The landlord cannot punish you for complaining. For 180 days after your complaint, the landlord cannot evict you, raise rent, or cut services because of it. You must be current on rent to use this shield.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1942.5(a)

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

12. If the landlord punishes you anyway, a court can make the landlord pay. You can win your real losses plus a penalty of $100 to $2,000 for each act done with fraud or malice.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1942.5(h)(2)

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

13. Call the Los Angeles Housing Department at 1-866-557-7368 to file a habitability or harassment complaint. You can also file online.

    Los Angeles Housing Department File a Complaint

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

14. Stay Housed LA gives free legal help if the repair fight turns into an eviction. Call 1-888-694-0040.

    Stay Housed LA Home

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

15. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles helps renters with low income on housing problems at no cost. Call 800-399-4529 or apply online. Dial 211 any time for more county help lines.

    211 LA Home Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Get Legal Help

    ✓ Sources checked August 23, 2026

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