At Friedman & Chapman, we understand that living with rats in your rental home is not only unpleasant, but also a serious risk to your health and safety. Rats can transmit dangerous diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, and can even affect young children or people with weakened immune systems. In addition, they can chew through electrical wires, cause short circuits, and damage furniture, plumbing, or appliances.
Despite this, many tenants do not receive an adequate response from their landlords when they report these types of infestations. Therefore, it is essential that you know your legal rights as a tenant in the state of California.
According to the California Habitability Act (Civil Code §1941.1), every landlord has a legal obligation to maintain rental units in a safe, clean, and habitable condition. This includes the effective control of pests such as rats and mice. If a landlord fails to address these problems within a reasonable time after being notified, they are breaching their legal duty.
Can you be evicted for complaining?
No. The law is very clear on this point. Under Civil Code §1942.5, a landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant who has exercised their legal rights, such as reporting habitability problems.
What if the landlord says it was their fault?
In some cases, the landlord may try to blame the tenant for the infestation, claiming accumulated trash, poor hygiene, or other conditions that supposedly led to the presence of rats. In these situations, documentation is your best defense.
We recommend that you:
- Document all communications with your landlord (emails, messages, notifications).
- Take photographs or videos of the rats, droppings, or damage caused.
- Keep copies of reports from pest control companies.
- Request any inspection or treatment in writing.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you need to take legal action.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you need to go to court.
📞 Contact us today if you need legal guidance or representation. At Friedman & Chapman, we’re here to protect your home, your health, and your rights.
The law is on your side. And so are we.