If you are living in a rental unit that is moldy, infested, or simply unsafe, you may feel like you have run out of options. Maybe you have asked your landlord for help more times than you can count, but the problems keep piling up—broken plumbing, no hot water, or even black mold creeping across the ceiling. This kind of neglect is not just frustrating, it could be illegal. A Los Angeles habitability lawyer could help you assert your rights and push for the safe living conditions every tenant is entitled to under the law.
Landlords are required by law to provide rental units that are fit for human habitation. When they fail to meet these standards, tenants may have legal grounds to take action. An experienced attorney could help you understand your options and gather the evidence you need to build a strong case. At the Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC, we provide personalized, strategic support to tenants. With the focus of a boutique firm and the power of deep litigation experience, our team is prepared to advocate for your health, safety, and dignity.
Habitability law states that rental units must meet basic standards of living under California Civil Code § 1941.1. This includes working plumbing, heating, electricity, clean and structurally safe buildings, and the absence of toxic mold or pests. If a landlord fails to maintain these standards after being notified of a problem, they could be held liable for violating the implied warranty of habitability.
A person dealing with unsafe living conditions could work with a tenant rights attorney in Los Angeles to assess whether their unit meets the legal definition of uninhabitable. Issues such as persistent mold, sewage backups, rodent infestations, or lack of heat in winter could all fall under this category. Legal remedies may include the right to request repairs or file a lawsuit for damages. Depending on the case, damages could include repair costs, alternative housing, emotional distress, and compensation for physical symptoms.
Tenants often face recurring health and safety hazards that landlords fail to address. These may include leaky roofs, plumbing failures, or exposed wiring, all of which can lead to serious consequences. Toxic mold exposure, in particular, is a growing concern. Without timely remediation, mold can cause respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and long-term health damage.
Los Angeles habitability cases often involve proving the landlord knew about the issue and failed to fix it in a reasonable amount of time. Documentation, such as photos, repair requests, and medical records, can be critical in making your case. A skilled housing attorney could help Los Angeles tenants organize their claims and pursue appropriate legal remedies through negotiations or litigation.
Public agencies like housing departments may offer some support, but enforcement is often slow or inconsistent. A private law firm in Los Angeles, such as the Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC, offers tenants the opportunity to act quickly and strategically to enforce their habitability rights. Our firm brings experience in civil rights, consumer protection, and real estate law—fields that often intersect with habitability claims. Whether negotiating with landlords or litigating in court, our team works with clients to hold negligent property owners accountable.
Unlike larger firms that pass clients from one associate to the next, our office prioritizes consistent communication and individual attention. We understand the toll that unsafe housing takes on people’s daily lives, and we are committed to helping you find relief and resolution.
If you are struggling with toxic mold, infestations, or other serious issues in your rental, you do not have to stay silent. A Los Angeles habitability lawyer could help you take action, protect your health, and potentially recover damages for the harm you have suffered.
You deserve a safe place to live, and you do not have to fight for it alone. Reach out to the Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC today to speak with a tenant rights attorney who knows how to navigate housing laws and advocate for your needs.
