Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Multiple judments

Maybe. This depends on what the small claims suit was for, and whether the rent control ordinance covers the same harm.

California follows a "single cause of action" rule that requires a plaintiff to include all his claims relating to an incident in one lawsuit. The rent control board may be able to reduce rent if the small claims court did not have jurisdiction to grant that relief.

A lawyer should analyze the small claims complaint and judgment, the rent control ordinance and applicable state law to determine if a separate claim can be brought. Practically speaking, however, I'd expect the rent control board to go ahead whether or not the renter has already recovered in small claims court.

Re: Multiple judments

It depends on what the law in the city says. You should check with the board. However, if the condition is going to be or has been repaired, then forget it.