One of the most common points of confusion for renters is maintenance responsibility. When something breaks, who fixes it — and who pays? California law is clear about most situations, but there are gray areas worth understanding.
Your Landlord's Responsibility (Always): Structural issues (roof, walls, foundation), plumbing and electrical systems, heating (and cooling where provided), pest control for infestations not caused by the tenant, mold remediation, broken locks and security features, hot water, and compliance with building codes.
Your Responsibility (Usually): Keeping the apartment reasonably clean, replacing light bulbs, replacing smoke detector batteries, unclogging drains caused by your use, damage caused by you or your guests, replacing air filters (if accessible), and minor upkeep like tightening loose screws.
The Gray Areas: Appliance repair often depends on whether the appliance came with the apartment. If the landlord provided the refrigerator and it breaks from normal use, that's generally their responsibility. If you brought your own, it's yours. Same goes for window coverings, garbage disposals, and dishwashers.
How to Report Maintenance Issues: Always put maintenance requests in writing — email is best. Describe the problem specifically, note when you first noticed it, and mention any safety concerns. California law requires landlords to respond to habitability issues within 30 days (less for emergencies).
What If Your Landlord Won't Fix It: For serious habitability issues (no heat, plumbing problems, pest infestations), California law provides remedies: you can repair and deduct (fix it yourself and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent), withhold rent, or contact your local housing department.
Preventive Maintenance You Should Do: Run the garbage disposal regularly with cold water. Clean the dryer lint trap after every use. Check under sinks monthly for leaks. Open windows occasionally to prevent moisture buildup. Clean the oven every few months. These simple habits prevent bigger (and potentially costly) problems.
When you need help with maintenance tasks that fall under your responsibility — drain cleaning, minor repairs, fixture updates — local service providers can help at reasonable rates, often same-day.