Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

No, the landlord's obligation is not based upon whether he has any money or not. If it is something that you can fix or significantly make better, notify the landlord in writing that unless he repairs the oft complained about leak within 2 weeks, you will withhold up to one month's rent to pay for the repair of the leak. You have a legal right to do that if you actually spend the money for reasonable repairs.

The landlord has a duty to repair the leak and the damage caused by the leak. His lack of funds to do the repairs does not releave him of this duty. Your obligation to pay rent is related to his duty to maintain a livable premises. You can use the repair and deduct remedy stated in the previous answer, withold rent until he does the repairs or you can continue to pay the rent and sue him for breach of contract. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages and should be discussed in detail with an attorney.