Repair request letter to landlord (CA)
Legal advice recommended before use.
A written, dated repair request creates a record and starts the clock. Under California's implied warranty of habitability (Cal. Civil Code §§ 1941, 1941.1), your landlord must keep the rental fit to live in — working plumbing, heat, weatherproofing, electrical, and no pest infestations or mold. Notice also matters for the "repair and deduct" remedy (Civil Code § 1942), which generally requires 30 days' notice before you can act. Keep a copy of this letter.
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In Los Angeles, if your landlord doesn't respond you can also file a complaint with the LA Housing Department (LAHD) at housing.lacity.gov or (866) 557-7368 — repeated violations can trigger a Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) inspection or placement into the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP) under Civil Code § 1942.4. For emergencies (no heat, no water, gas leak, sewage), call LAHD's urgent repair line and your local building & safety department. Photos and video help — attach them. This is a template, not legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I have to give before I can withhold rent or repair-and-deduct?
Under Civil Code § 1942, you generally need to give the landlord written or oral notice of the problem and wait a reasonable time — 30 days is presumed reasonable — before using repair-and-deduct or other self-help remedies. Serious health/safety issues may justify acting sooner; consult a tenant attorney before withholding rent.
What counts as a habitability violation in California?
Civil Code § 1941.1 lists effective waterproofing, working plumbing and gas, hot and cold running water, a working heating system, clean common areas free of debris/rodents, adequate trash receptacles, and working locks/security. Local LA codes (building & safety, health) add more, including mold and pest infestations.
Can my landlord retaliate against me for requesting repairs?
No. Civil Code § 1942.5 presumes retaliation if your landlord raises rent, reduces services, serves a notice to quit, or otherwise takes adverse action against you within 180 days of a good-faith repair request or complaint to a housing authority.
What if my landlord ignores this letter?
You can file a complaint with LAHD (in LA) or your local code enforcement/health department, use the repair-and-deduct remedy (up to one month's rent, limited to twice in 12 months per Civil Code § 1942), or consult a tenant attorney about rent withholding or Civil Code § 1942.4 remedies if the unit is substandard and the landlord knew and failed to act.
Should I send this by certified mail?
Yes — send by a method you can prove (certified mail, or email with read/delivery confirmation) and keep a dated copy. That record is what starts the notice clock and supports any later complaint or repair-and-deduct action.
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