California Repairs and habitability remedies

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in California?

If the landlord fails to fix conditions that make the unit untenantable within a reasonable time after notice, the tenant may make the repairs and deduct the cost from rent. The cost cannot exceed one month's rent. Acting after 30 days is presumed reasonable. Alternatively, the tenant may move out. This remedy is unavailable if the tenant caused the condition.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942(a)–(c) · last checked 2026-10-15