Injured or Living in Hazardous Conditions?
Know Your Tenant Rights in California
Hold Your Landlord Accountable for Unsafe Living Conditions
Living in a rental home should be safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, many tenants in California face dangerous conditions that threaten their health and safety. Serious injuries can happen when a landlord neglects maintenance, ignores repair requests, or allows hazardous conditions such as mold, pests, faulty wiring, or structural damage.
Examples of Injuries Caused by Unsafe Rentals
Unsafe living conditions can cause many different injuries. Some of the most common include:
Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or poor lighting can cause falls that lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
Mold growth from leaks or poor ventilation can trigger allergies, asthma, skin irritation, and serious respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure may cause lasting lung damage.
Faulty gas appliances or poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, leading to headaches, nausea, confusion, and even death.
Fires can start from faulty wiring, damaged appliances, overloaded outlets, or unattended stoves/heaters. They worsen when smoke detectors don’t work, fire extinguishers are missing, or exits are blocked. Risks include burns, smoke inhalation, and toxic chemical exposure. Always get a fire report after any incident.
Rodents, insects, or other pests can cause bites, allergic reactions, and spread diseases. Infestations also damage property and worsen unsafe living conditions.
Lead-based paint or old plumbing can cause developmental delays, neurological damage, and kidney problems, especially in children. Test for lead if you live in an older building.
Poorly maintained, exposed, or damaged wiring and overloaded circuits can cause shocks, burns, or electrocution. These hazards can also spark fires.
Leaks, flooding, or poor maintenance can cause ceilings, walls, or floors to collapse, leading to cuts, bruises, or fractures. Dampness also encourages mold growth.
Exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos, radon, or toxic chemicals can cause long-term health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer. Testing is essential if these hazards are suspected.
Poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security measures can lead to assaults, robberies, or other crimes, causing physical and emotional harm. If you experience or witness such an incident, file a police report right away.
In extreme cases, harassment by a landlord may escalate to physical injury. Report incidents to the police immediately.
Unsafe, broken, or poorly maintained appliances provided by the landlord — such as stoves, ovens, refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners, washing machines, or dryers — can cause burns, shocks, scalds, or other injuries.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured?
If you’ve suffered an injury in your rental home due to unsafe or hazardous conditions, here are important steps to protect your health, your rights, and any potential legal claim:
- ● Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems minor, visit a doctor immediately.
- ● Keep copies of all medical reports, test results, prescriptions, and receipts.
- ● Take clear photos or videos of the dangerous condition and the surrounding area.
- ● Photograph your injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, insect bites, etc.) as soon as possible and continue documenting the healing process.
- ● Note the date and time of the incident and any prior complaints you made about the hazard.
Need help? Check out our guide on collecting evidence to support your case.
- ● Keep damaged personal property as evidence (e.g., broken railing, defective appliance).
- ● Save any correspondence with your landlord regarding repair requests.
- ● Ask witnesses for written statements if anyone saw the accident happen.
- ● Send a written notice describing the hazard and request immediate repairs.
- ● Keep a copy of the letter/email and proof of delivery.
- ● Check your lease for clauses about repairs, habitability, and landlord responsibilities.
- ● Your landlord is legally required to keep your home safe and habitable (California Civil Code § 1941.1).
- ● A lawyer can advise whether your landlord’s negligence makes them liable for your injury.
- ● You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- ● Landlords or property managers may try to offer a quick settlement.
- ● Do not sign any agreements or accept payment without consulting an attorney first — you could be giving up important rights.
We’re Here to Help
At Tenant Law Group, we fight for renters across California who are living in unsafe or hazardous conditions. Whether you’ve suffered an injury from a fire, a fall, a defective appliance, or toxic exposure — or you’re dealing with ongoing issues like mold, pests, or dangerous wiring — our team is here to help you protect your rights and reclaim your peace of mind.
We’ve successfully helped tenants throughout the state enforce their legal rights and pursue financial compensation for the harm they’ve endured due to negligent landlords.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until your health or safety gets worse. If your landlord refuses to address serious problems in your home, we can help you take the next step.
Where Can I Get Legal Help as a Tenant in California?
If you’re a California tenant and Tenant Law Group is unable to represent you, the following legal aid and advocacy organizations can assist.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Call one of Tenant Law Group's Intake Specialists
Get help right away.
(415) 801-8878
Intake@tenantlawgroupsf.com
Fill out our Online Intake Form to Get Started Now
Providing us with some basic information on this form will make it easier to determine what type of help we could potentially offer you.
Stay Informed on Tenant Rights
Explore our blog for the latest news and tips on tenant rights.