Index
Landlord-Tenant LawCalifornia, USA

California Civil Code Section 1942: Repair and Deduct

Summary

Allows tenants to pay for repairs themselves and subtract the cost from their rent if the landlord fails to address habitability issues within a reasonable time.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right to repair serious issues affecting health and safety if the landlord ignores them.
  • 02.
    Right to deduct repair costs from rent, provided the cost does not exceed one month's rent.
  • 03.
    Protection from eviction for using this statutory remedy (up to twice a year).

Penalties

  • 01.
    Potential for the landlord to lose the right to collect rent if the property remains uninhabitable.
  • 02.
    Requirement for the landlord to reimburse the tenant's repair costs via rent deduction.

Verified Citations

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