California Rent withholding / escrow

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in California?

A landlord may not demand or collect rent, raise the rent, or serve a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit when all of these apply: the unit is substandard, a housing inspector has given the landlord notice, and the conditions have gone uncorrected for the period set in the statute.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.4(a) · last checked 2026-10-15