Landlord Won't Make Repairs in Los Angeles: What Can I Do?

This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Find free legal and rent help in Los Angeles.

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California law says your home must be safe to live in. Los Angeles adds city inspectors and a ban on landlords who stall repairs to push you out. This page shows how to ask for repairs, what to do when the landlord stalls, and who to call. For more detail, see the California repairs guide.

  1. Your home must have working basics. That means a roof that keeps out rain, windows and doors with no breaks, working plumbing and gas, hot and cold water, and working heat.

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

  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)

  3. 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

  4. Step 2: give the landlord a reasonable time. After 30 days with no fix, the law starts by treating that wait as reasonable. Serious dangers can justify a much shorter wait.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1942(b)

  5. Step 3 option: fix it yourself and subtract the cost from rent. The repair can cost up to 1 month of rent. For example, if your rent is $1,000 a month, the repair can cost up to $1,000. You can use this tool at most 2 times in any 12 months.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1942(a)

  6. Another option: move out because the home is not fit to live in. From the day you leave, you stop owing rent.

    California Legislative Information Civil Code § 1942(a)

  7. 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. One caution from legal aid: for very bad conditions, an inspector can condemn the home and make everyone leave.

    RenterLaw editorial Los Angeles Housing Department TAHO FAQs

  8. You can pay a private home inspector to check the problems, if you can afford it. This can cost a lot. Their written report and photos can help show the conditions in court. The inspector only writes down the problems. They do not fix them. To find one near you, search "home inspector" or "rental inspection" with your city's name.

    RenterLaw editorial

  9. In Los Angeles, stalling repairs to bother you breaks the city Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (harassment means unwanted, hostile treatment). This law covers every rental in the city, not just units with rent control.

    Los Angeles Housing Department TAHO FAQs

  10. 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)

Published by Nazanin · September 24, 2026

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