How to Report a Landlord in California for Unsafe Living Conditions

How to Report a Landlord in California for Unsafe Living Conditions

Last Updated: July 19, 2024

If a rental property in California fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants can report their landlord to local officials. They can choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.

What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in California?

In California, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property isn’t reasonably clean and dry, with safe and working:

  • Plumbing (includes toilet, bathtub, shower, bathroom sink, kitchen sink).
  • Hot and cold running water.
  • Heating.
  • Required ventilation.
  • Required lighting.
  • Garbage storage.
  • Wiring.
  • Weatherproofing (includes exterior doors and windows).
  • Exterior locks.
  • Smoke alarms / CO detectors.

There also can’t be any other issue substantially impacting health or safety.

Read more

What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in California?

In most situations, a tenant in California must notify the landlord about the issue and ask him to fix it within 30 days.

Read more

How Can Tenants Report a Violation in California?

Tenants in California should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on the municipality.

Location Organization Contact
Los Angeles
  • Dept. of Building & Safety (single-family dwellings)
  • Housing Dept. (other residential types)
  • Dept. of Public Health (environmental complaints)
Online Form (single-family)Online Form (other residential types)Online Form (environmental complaints)
San Diego Code Enforcement Division Online Form
San Jose Dept. of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Online Form

After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then, the officer usually inspects the property and cites the landlord for any code violations.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Los Angeles?

A tenant in Los Angeles can report a health or safety violation depending on the type of residence and issue:

  • Single-family dwellings: Call the Department of Building & Safety at (888) 524-2845 or use the provided online form. Click “Report Code Violation Online,” enter location information and personal details, then describe the issue and submit.
  • Multi-family dwellings and apartment buildings: Call the Housing Department at (866) 557-7368 or use the provided online form. Enter location information, select the correct property, then enter personal information, and then select a violation category and type. Most complaints will fall under “Maintenance” -> “Premises not maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.”
  • Environmental issues: For environmental issues like mold or sewage leaks, call the Department of Public Health at (888) 700-9995 or use the provided online form. Select “Other Type of Problem” from the drop-down menu, then enter personal information, write a description of the issue, and submit.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in San Diego?

A tenant in San Diego can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (619) 236-5500 or using the provided online form. Select “Bldg Code Enf” under “Investigation Type,” then enter location information, describe the violation, enter personal information, and submit.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in San Jose?

A tenant in San Jose can report a health or safety violation by calling the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement at (408) 535-3500 or using the provided online form. Enter the address, select a list item, or use the “Additional Information” box, then enter personal information, review, and submit.

What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in California?

After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in California, an officer may inspect the property and cite the landlord for code violations. If the issue isn’t fixed (usually within 10-30 days, depending on the jurisdiction), the officer might condemn the property or fine the landlord.

Sources