In California, the landlord/tenant relationship involves specific rights and responsibilities for each party. Here we've included some additional information about the connections between landlords and tenants.
Landlord Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair the premises to comply with housing codes and regulations.
- Provide adequate locks and keys.
- Maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, and other appliances in good working order.
- Keep the premises in reasonably weather-tight condition.
- Control infestations by insects, rodents, and other pests before the tenant moves in, and in residences (except single family dwellings) through tenancy.
- In apartments, studios, or other dwellings excluding houses, provide garbage cans and arrange for garbage removal.
- Provide smoke detectors and ensure they work properly when a new tenant moves in.
- A landlord is not responsible for the cost of damages caused by the tenant.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay rent and utilities according to rental agreement.
- Maintain the premises in sanitary condition.
- Pay for fumigation of infestations caused by the tenant (eg: fleas from a cat).
- Properly use and maintain appliances provided by the landlord.
- Do not cause intentional or careless damage to the dwelling.
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors.
- Upon moving out, restore the premises to the same condition as when the tenant moved in, aside from normal wear and tear.
Landlords Access to Rental Property
The landlord must give the tenant at least two days’ notice of intent to enter the property at reasonable times. The law states, however, that tenants must not unreasonably refuse to allow the landlord to enter the rental when the landlord has given at least one days’ notice of intent to enter at a specified time to show the dwelling to prospective or actual buyers or tenants. Tenants also must not unreasonably refuse the landlord access to repair, improve, or service the dwelling. In case of emergency, the landlord can enter without notice. If you feel your landlord is violating your rights, you can speak to them in person regarding your concerns, or send them written notice.