Re: No heater, no ventilation

The landlord is violating the warranty of habitability which says that the landlord is required to provide you heat, ventiliation, etc. You have a claim against the landlord for not providing that. Please reply to my private email below if you want more information -- I cannot post a phone number in this answer. Thanks and good luck.

Re: No heater, no ventilation

I recommend that you review the information at the following website:

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~asucrla/repairs1.shtml

As discussed, you have several options when a landlord does not provide for habitable premises, including right to withhold rent and "repair and deduct" options. You are also protected from what is "retaliatory eviction" if the landlord attempts to evict after the assertion of these rights.

When dealing with a non-responsive or potentially vindictive landlord, it is very important to document your complaints and confirmation of discussions. Letters sent via means with confirmed delivery (e.g. fax with fax confirmation; regular mail via certified return receipt) is preferred. That way, if things go sideways and the landlord attempts to evict or sue, you have documented evidence of your complaints and notices.

For self-help, you can go to the following website for additional information and links to legal aid if you're unable to afford an attorney.

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/other/landten.htm

http://www.lawhelpcalifornia.org/CA/StateChannelResults.cfm/County/%20/City/%20/demoMode/%3D%201/Language/1/State/CA/TextOnly/N/ZipCode/%20/LoggedIn/0/iSubTopicID/1/iProblemCodeID/1630100/sTopicImage/g-housing.gif/iTopicID/835/ichannelid/137/bAllState/0

Good luck.