What safety duties do California landlords have?

Landlords must maintain common areas, make repairs they are responsible for, fix known hazards within a reasonable time, and provide adequate security in areas they control. Civil Code §1941 requires rentals to be habitable—with working plumbing, heating, electrical, and safe structural conditions.

When is a landlord liable for an injury?

A landlord is generally liable when they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, had the ability to fix it, and failed to do so within a reasonable time—and that failure caused the injury. Notice matters: written complaints and repair requests are powerful evidence the landlord was aware.

What about criminal attacks on the property?

If a landlord failed to provide reasonable security—broken locks or gates, no lighting, or ignoring a pattern of prior crime—and a foreseeable assault occurred, the landlord may be liable under a negligent-security theory.

Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my landlord if I’m injured in my rental?

Yes, if your injury was caused by a dangerous condition the landlord knew or should have known about and failed to repair within a reasonable time. Written repair requests strengthen your claim.

What is the habitability requirement in California?

Under Civil Code §1941, landlords must keep rentals habitable—with working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, weatherproofing, and safe structural conditions.

Is my landlord responsible if I’m attacked at my apartment complex?

Possibly. If the landlord failed to provide reasonable security in areas they control and the attack was foreseeable given prior incidents, they may be liable for negligent security.