January 2004 / Apartment Journal / Page A
CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE
Landlord / Tenant Law & Procedures
Editor’s Note: This pullout section was prepared by
Michelle Brisco, AACSC’s staff attorney, in response to
frequently asked questions by members and students in
our various educational programs. All language is
taken directly from the California Civil Code. The
outline format differs from formal English grammar
outline because the Code mirrors annual changes in the
law with numerous additions and deletions written by
various state senators and assemblymembers.
Additional legal resources are listed at the end of this
special section.
WHAT STANDARDS DOES A RENTAL UNIT HAVE
TO MEET?
Section 1941.1 provides:
A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes
of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the
following affirmative standard characteristics or is a
residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or
17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code:
(a) Effective waterproofing and weather protection of
roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows
and doors.
(b) Plumbing or gas facilities that conformed to
applicable law in effect at the time of installation,
maintained in good working order.
(c) A water supply approved under applicable law that
is under the control of the tenant, capable of producing
hot and cold running water, or a system that is under
the control of the landlord, that produces hot and cold
running water, furnished to appropriate fixtures, and
connected to a sewage disposal system approved under
applicable law.
(d) Heating facilities that conformed with applicable
law at the time of installation, maintained in good
working order.
(e) Electrical lighting, with wiring and electrical
equipment that conformed with applicable law at the
time of installation, maintained in good working order.
(f) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time
of the commencement of the lease or rental agreement,
and all areas under control of the landlord, kept in
every part clean, sanitary, and free from all
a