Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

I live in la cnty, ca. My apt is infested with roaches and Ive filed a complaint with the health department. Can I deduct expenses ive incurred due to the problem, such as small appliance replacement (the roaches go inside the paneling of microwave, and others and caused them to malfunction), loss of food, i had to purchase plastic containers to keep my cereals etc. fom my rent or do I have to take my landlord to small claims court?


Asked on 12/31/11, 12:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

If after a reasonable period of time the landlord has not repaired a defect in the apartment, you can apply up to one month's rent to repair the problem. At best the losses you have suffered are indirect causes of the infestation problem so you might not be legally entitled to deduct them but you could try and see what the landlord does. But warn him in advance that you are going to do so.

Read more
Answered on 1/05/12, 4:06 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in California