Written by troozer• April 18, 2025• 5:56 am• Law

What To Do When Your Landlord Ignores You

You’ve called. You’ve emailed. You’ve texted.

Still nothing.

Your heater doesn’t work. There’s mold in the bathroom. The ceiling is leaking.

You’re fed up. But your landlord doesn’t seem to care.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Thousands of renters go through this every year, especially in California. Many end up turning to tenant lawyers los angeles to fight back and get the help they need.

Let’s talk about what you can do right now.

First, Know Your Rights as a Renter

In California, tenants have strong legal protections. Way more than most people realize.

Here’s what your landlord is legally required to do:

Keep your unit safe and habitable
Fix serious issues within a reasonable time
Provide heat, water, electricity, and plumbing
Handle pest infestations
Maintain secure doors and windows

If they don’t? That’s called a breach of the “warranty of habitability.” It’s a fancy way of saying your landlord is breaking the law.

You have every right to demand repairs. And if they don’t listen, you have legal backup.

What Counts as “Unlivable” Conditions?

Not everything is a violation. But many things are.

Here are examples of serious problems:

No hot water or heat
Mold on walls or ceilings
Water leaks or flooding
Electrical problems or exposed wiring
Broken front doors or locks
Roach or rat infestations
No working toilet or shower
Dangerous structural issues (like collapsing ceilings)

These aren’t “minor inconveniences.” They make your home unsafe or unhealthy. Your landlord is required to fix them—period.

Step 1: Document Everything

Start now. Even if it feels small.

Take photos. Save texts. Write down dates.

This will protect you later. If you need to go to court or file a complaint, you’ll need proof.

Make a paper trail.

Use a free notes app or spreadsheet. Track:

When you first noticed the issue
When you told your landlord
What they said (or didn’t say)
Any actions you took (like hiring a plumber yourself)

You don’t need a perfect system. Just be consistent. Every detail helps.

Step 2: Request Repairs in Writing

Always, always, always put your request in writing.

Don’t just call or mention it in person. It’s too easy for them to deny later.

Send an email. Or write a letter. Keep it simple, but clear.

Here’s a quick template you can use:

Hi [Landlord’s Name], I’m writing to formally request that the [issue] in my unit at [address] be fixed. It’s affecting the livability of the apartment. Please confirm when this will be repaired. Thank you.

Attach photos if possible.

And keep a copy of everything.

Step 3: Wait a Reasonable Time (Then Take Action)

Your landlord doesn’t need to fix everything instantly. But the law says they must act within a “reasonable” timeframe.

Usually, that means:

24-72 hours for emergencies (no water, gas leak, fire hazards)
1-2 weeks for major repairs (leaks, mold, broken heaters)
30 days for minor issues

If they blow you off?

You’re allowed to take further steps.

Step 4: Try “Repair and Deduct”

In California, you can fix the issue yourself and subtract the cost from your rent.

This is called repair and deduct. But you need to do it right.

Here’s how it works:

Send a written notice to your landlord.
Wait a reasonable time for them to respond.
Hire a licensed professional to make the repair.
Keep the receipt.
Deduct the cost from next month’s rent.

You can’t spend more than one month’s rent. And you can’t do it for cosmetic issues. But for major stuff—leaks, broken appliances, etc.—it’s a solid option.

Still, this can be risky. That’s why many tenants talk to a lawyer first.

Step 5: File a Complaint With Local Housing Authorities

Your city or county might have a housing department. Many do.

You can file a formal complaint if your landlord refuses to fix unsafe conditions. An inspector will come out. If they find violations, the landlord could face:

Fines
Repair orders
Lawsuits

This puts pressure on them to take you seriously.

It also helps build your case. Government records are powerful in court.

Step 6: Take Legal Action

If your landlord still won’t budge?

It’s time to bring in backup. This is where tenant attorneys come in.

Tenant lawyers Los Angeles specialize in holding landlords accountable. They can:

Send demand letters
Represent you in court
Get you compensation
Help you break your lease
Fight illegal evictions
Protect you from landlord retaliation

You don’t have to face this alone. And in many cases, you don’t pay unless you win.

Can I Be Evicted for Complaining?

No. That’s illegal.

Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for reporting problems. If they try to:

Raise your rent suddenly
Threaten eviction
Shut off your utilities
Enter your apartment without permission

That’s retaliation. It’s against the law. If this happens, document everything. Then call a tenant lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to damages.

How Much Can You Sue For?

That depends on the case, but some tenants win thousands of dollars in damages.

You might be compensated for:

Reduced quality of life
Property damage
Medical bills (if mold or pests made you sick)
Emotional distress
Out-of-pocket repair costs
Retaliation

Your apartment is your home. You have a right to live comfortably and safely. Don’t let a negligent landlord take that away from you.

What If I Just Want to Move Out?

In some cases, that’s the smartest move.

If your unit is truly unlivable, you may be able to break your lease without penalty, but you need to do it right. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for rent, even after you leave.

A lawyer can help with this, too.

They’ll review your lease, guide you through the process, and make sure you don’t end up owing money.

Sometimes, landlords will even pay you to move out if legal pressure is applied. It’s called a “cash-for-keys” deal.