California Landlord Responsibilities: Habitability & Repairs Explained

Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management • June 20, 2025

As a California landlord, maintaining a safe, livable, and legally compliant rental property is not just a best practice — it's the law.

In this post, we’ll break down your legal responsibilities under California’s habitability laws, what counts as required maintenance, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what can happen if you don’t meet these obligations.


What Is “Habitability” in California?

California Civil Code § 1941 outlines what’s called the “Implied Warranty of Habitability.” This means that every residential rental property must remain fit for human occupation throughout the lease.


Key Habitability Requirements:

To comply with the law, landlords must maintain:

  • Effective waterproofing and weather protection
  • Functional plumbing and heating
  • Hot and cold running water
  • Safe and up-to-code electrical systems
  • Sanitary conditions free from pests
  • Secure locks on doors and windows
  • Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Note that these are not optional. These are non-negotiable legal requirements.


What About Amenities Like A/C or a Fridge?

While items like air conditioning or a refrigerator may not be legally required to meet basic habitability standards, if you include them in the rental, you are generally responsible for maintaining them.

If an HVAC system, for example, was working when the tenant moved in and is part of the lease, you must keep it operational, unless your lease contains very specific, legally sound disclaimers (which is rare for major systems).

Failing to maintain these systems could be considered:

  • A reduction in housing services
  • A breach of the lease agreement

The Repair Process: Communication and Timeliness

The law doesn’t expect landlords to be omniscient. Tenants must first notify you of any necessary repairs.

Once you’re notified, you are typically expected to address the issue within a “reasonable time,” often defined as:

  • 30 days for general repairs
  • Less time for urgent health or safety risks

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

While you might be able to fix minor issues yourself, major repairs should be handled by licensed, insured professionals. This includes:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Roofing
  • HVAC systems

Improper repairs can worsen the issue and expose you to legal liability.


What Happens If You Don’t Make Repairs?

Ignoring habitability issues after receiving proper notice from a tenant can trigger serious consequences, including:

  • “Repair and deduct” remedies (within legal limits)
  • Rent withholding (via specific legal procedures)
  • Lawsuits for breach of contract or habitability
  • Code enforcement complaints

In short, failure to act can cost you far more than the repair itself.


Don’t Let Repairs Turn Into Risk

Maintenance and habitability issues are not just inconveniences, they can become legal liabilities. If you want peace of mind, let our expert team handle the hard work.


Download our Free Guide to landlord best practices
Request your Free Rental Analysis to see if your current process is legally sound


At True Haven, we make property maintenance simple and stress-free for landlords. Let’s talk about how our expertise can keep you compliant and protect your investment.

By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Choosing a property manager is a big decision. Learn what makes for a true strategic partner, not just a service provider, and how True Haven approaches long-term property success.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Thinking about selling your rental property? Learn how a 1031 exchange can help you defer capital gains taxes and the critical steps to take before listing your property.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed managing your rental property? Learn the top 5 signs it might be time to bring in a professional property manager, and how it can protect your investment and peace of mind.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Is your rental just collecting rent, or building long-term wealth? Learn how to shift from passive landlording to strategic asset management, and boost both your cash flow and property value.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Clear communication is the foundation of successful property management. Learn how to set expectations, stay professional, and use the right tools to maintain positive tenant relationships and prevent costly misunderstandings.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Stop waiting for things to break! Discover how proactive maintenance and routine inspections can save you thousands in repair costs and keep your tenants happy.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Avoid common rental disputes by clearly defining maintenance responsibilities and landlord entry rights in your lease. Learn what every California landlord needs to know.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Learn how to verify rental history and income the right way. These tenant screening tips help landlords avoid fake info, reduce risk, and place reliable tenants with confidence.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Wondering if your rental property is truly profitable? Learn how to calculate NOI, Cash-on-Cash Return, and Cap Rate to assess performance and make smarter investment decisions.
By Jeremy Higgins, True Haven Property Management July 16, 2025
Learn 5 proven strategies to market your rental property, avoid long vacancies, and attract quality tenants fast. From photos to platforms, this guide covers it all.
More Posts