Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Re: Repairs to apartment

Landlord ("L") is responsible for lighting that works, and is safe. You have two options:(a) repair and deduct; (b) withhold rent. Send L a certified letter, keep a copy, tell him what is wrong, and wait reasonable amount of time. If not fixed, you have it fixed, keep receipt, and deduct cost from next rent. Withholding rent is also an option, but is dangerous, because if it goes to court, and judge rules for L, you will probably be evicted. You must set aside the money, preferably in escrow account in your bank, and, of course, you do this only after a certified letter to L. If, you are handing the letter to L, make sure you have a witness present (preferably not a member of your family). My experience is that a strong letter from an attorney (to L) frequently produces positive results.