Deduct remedy when it comes to how you pay rent

The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith
California law

Tenant’s Rights in California to Withhold Rent or Repair and Deduct

Tenants have a legally recognized right to live in safe and habitable conditions. When a landlord demands rent from a tenant, the landlord is expected to make necessary repairs in a very reasonable amount of time.

When a landlord fails to maintain the rental space he can be liable to the tenant for damages incurred. Suing your landlord can be a prolonged process and some opt for the remedy of making repairs and deducting the costs from their rental payment even if that means withholding rent for a whole month’s rent.

This may not apply to Commercial Rentals

When the “repair and deduct” option to pay rent is addressed in state law, it is only for a residential tenant.

Generally, commercial property leases contain clauses that don’t allow the tenant to make repairs to rental property or deduct rent.

Civil Code:

Landlords renting residential space have a duty to maintain the area in a safe and livable condition. The details of how a a rental unit or property can fall below the standards of human habitation considered reasonable, are found in California Civil Code§ 1941.1. and include problems with:

  1. Weather protection of roof and exterior walls, including unbroken windows and doors.
  2. Plumbing or gas facilities.
  3. Hot and cold running water, furnished to appropriate fixtures and connected to a sewage disposal system.
  4. Heating facilities
  5. Electrical lighting, wiring, and electrical equipment.
  6. Areas under the control of the landlord are kept clean, sanitary, and free from accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin.
  7. An adequate number of appropriate receptacles for garbage and rubbish, in clean condition and excellent pair.
  8. Floors, stairways, and railings are maintained in good repair.
  9. A locking mail receptacle for each residential unit is required by Section 17958.3 of the Health and Safety Code.
  10. Deadbolt locks on main entry doors of rental property. (Cal Civil Code Section 1941.3)
  11. Presence and maintenance of operable window security or locking devices for windows that are designed to be opened. (Cal Civil Code Section 1941.3)
  12. Mold in the rental unit that the landlord has noticed, affects the health and safety of the tenant.

Maintenance is a landlord’s duty and is normally stated in the rental agreement, but even if unstated, the duty is enforced by the courts.

A tenant must make a request in a reasonable amount of time, and give the landlord the opportunity to make needed repairs, before pursuing legal remedies.

Requested repairs must be performed in a time considered reasonable. Urgent maintenance issues require a shorter period of notice and must be addressed in a shorter period than more routine problems. State law provides legal remedies when a landlord doesn’t respond to repair requests in a reasonable period.

California Tenants Have the Right to a Livable Rental Property

Tenants have a right to live in a space that is legally habitable. A landlord has a legal requirement to maintain a rental unit in a reasonable manner. Landlords who fail to make repairs great repairs, that make the premises untenantable, have breached their obligations.

implied warranty

If the tenant’s health landlord is in breach, the tenant can ensure that necessary repairs are performed. For available legal options see https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf for more information.

Suing the landlord can be expensive, and prolonged. Sometimes the Repair and Deduct Remedy is a better solution.

How to Make Repairs and Deduct the Cost (“Repair and Deduct”) in California

Repair and Deduct allows tenants to fix issues without suing

The Law Office of James L. Arrasmith, https://www.jlegal.org/ can provide you with legal counsel and advice to avoid possible legal consequences.

By obtaining legal advice you avoid the risks of the Repair and Deduct remedy. If the defects are not serious enough to justify withholding the full rent amount, the landlord may sue. The landlord can recover the money deducted from the one month’s rent amount, serve a three-day notice or even file for eviction.

If the latter requested repairs are not allowed or the owner lacked adequate advance notice or a reasonable time to make repairs, the court can order the tenant to pay full rent even though the tenant paid for the repairs, or can either withhold rent or even order an eviction.

next rent payment

The steps for using the repair and deduct remedy are (from the California Tenant Guide, https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf):

1. The defects must be serious and directly related to the tenant’s health and safety.

2. Repairs cannot exceed one month’s full rent payment.

3. Cannot use the Repair and Deduct Remedy more than twice in any reasonable period of any 12-month period.

4. Must allow a reasonable period for the needed repairs.

A reasonable time is normally 30 days, however, the nature of the maintenance issue may require a shorter notice or faster response. Examples of urgent maintenance and repair requests include a broken heating system when outdoor temperatures are very low, or a broken water line that is actively spilling water.

5. If they fail to repair within a reasonable time, the tenant may repair or hire someone. The tenant may then withhold the cost of the repairs from withholding rent until the next payment. The tenant should keep all receipts and provide a copy along with a written explanation to the landlord.

The Repair and Deduct Remedy

“Repair and Deduct” allows withholding one month’s rent against repairs of serious problems in rental units, provided the repairs would not cost more than one month’s rent. This remedy is only for substandard conditions that affect the tenant’s health and safety, and substantially breach the implied warranty of habitability. This is not a remedy for minor or cosmetic imperfections.

Option to Deduct from Month’s Rent

To make repairs and withhold rent can, if exercised improperly, leave the renter, rent, and require repair.

Seek an agreement with the landlord for repairs first, if possible. Prior to using the Repair and Deduct Remedy, obtain legal counsel to avoid further disputes. If the landlord ignores the civil code section regarding tenant’s rights they can be sued in small claims court.

Client Reviews

James Arrasmith is one smart attorney! He understood my problem and came up with a great solution right away. I can depend on him to listen and ask the right questions to get straight to my issues. His availability is...

Alan Murphy

Hiring James to handle my eviction / landlord tenant case is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He assisted me every step of the way and made the process smooth and easy. It was obvious that he truly cared about...

Monica Martínez alvarado

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

DD M

Great consultation, efficient, attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process. Mr...

Nadia Faraci

James is an amazing attorney!! I had never hired a lawyer before (and was very nervous), but James took hours of his time to explain the entire procedure to me. He gave me a thorough consultation, and I was so impressed...

Ledi

James was the only person to answer the phone at 7am on a Saturday morning. My first phone call to him was as a scared and stressed woman with no idea on where to even begin to explain the sort of help I needed. James...

Renae Elise

James helped me with two landlord tenant issues. In both cases, I was able to expeditiously resolve my issue with the tenant. I appreciate his genuine care for his clients; a rare trait in an attorney. I would highly...

theresa26 r

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave...

Tricia Matsis

James Arrasmith did a great job for me on my legal matter. From the first time I talked to him he was very professional and knew what he was talking about. I would recommend James Arrasmith to anyone who needs help with...

Alvin Warren

I can't express enough how much James put my heart at ease. He has really been dugiligant at getting things done vs what I have experienced before using other lawyers. Highly recommend James if your looking for trust...

Jeremy Rasmussen Finnif Skate

James Arrasmith is a fantastic attorney. He is respectful and knowledgeable! Always very responsive and really takes his time explaining everything so you can understand it. I would highly recommend you meet with James...

Andrew Noseworthy

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James Pearson

Highly recommend choosing James. He was extremely responsive always making sure I understood every step of the process. In addition, he would periodically check in with me before important decisions needed to be made.

Tulsi

He is experts and reasonable attorney.

Ahmad Ali Shinwary

Best attorney I ever worked with... he takes time to explain the whole process and and will make sure you are happy with his work. We did a living trust and he helped me with an eviction case. I highly recommend him!

Alina Cojocari

James is an excellent attorney. I recommend him to anyone who's looking for someone who cares and wants to help win their case! :)

Allen Esealuka

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber Styles

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave her...

Tricia

James is a professional with outstanding customer service. We hired him to take care of an issue for us and he delivered as promised. I highly recommend him if you have any ongoing legal issues. James it's absolute...

Aztec Gold99

He will go out of his way . The best lawyer in Sacramento!I don’t know what I would do without lawyer james.

Bryan

Very professional, understanding and willing to assist in any way he can. I am most definitely keeping James as my one stop shop lawyer.

Brad Naylor

I am so happy I found Mr. Arrasmith's law firm! I couldn't have been happier with my decision to hire James. He took my case from point A to point Z and kept me informed every step of the way. If I ever need an attorney...

Bryce Colburn

James is a wonderful addition to the legal community. He is hard working, bright and ethical. He goes the extra mile for his clients.

Caitlin Ross

He was a great attorney.

Devon Campbell

I contacted Mr. Arrasmith regarding a disability related inquiry for a family member. Mr. Arrasmith provided excellent and immediate responses to my questions. I felt as though he truly cared about the well being of my...

Anonymous

Great consultation, efficient, & positive attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process...

Nadia

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber

James is a great guy. He has helped me to start a very difficult case. That I was nervous to do. He has made me Confident that he will fight hard on my case.

Rachel

I am so happy I made a decision to hire James to help me with my case. He was very professional and assisted me every step of the way. I was able to get a very positive settlement on my case. I couldn’t be happier!

Ledi

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patty

James did a great job helping us with getting our settlement. Followed up in timely manners and updates always provided. Thank you for your help!

Anonymous

Gave James smith a call late at night with an immediate answer, he is very quick to respond and was eager to answer any questions I had.

Erika

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

Darren

James is a great lawyer! He is honest and very trustworthy. He will give you sound legal advice.

Jason Motto

Great service and customer service. Very professional too, thanks James and Maria!! Having a bilingual attorney who knows so many different aspects of the law is a BIG plus.

JC R

I found James online after an extensive search. He was knowledgeable and worked with me on a payment plan I could afford. I'm happy I picked him for dealing with my awful landlord. He helped me get the settlement I...

Jenn C

Lawyer James Arrasmith For me He very was very approachable and likeable as a person . I felt very comfortable with the knowledge, and information shared for our case. which we got desired result from. He to me is a...

John Davis

James is a wonderful lawyer and person! He is hardworking , ethical, quick and effective lawyer! He knows what he is doing.

Ka Saelee

James Arrasmith always does amazing job helping me with my landlord and tenant cases!! He is my go-to attorney when I need assistance in evicting tenants. I like how he also represents tenants as well as landlords - so...

Kerry Davis

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen Trexler

Best lawyer he will get the job done went out of his way totally

Larry Yabut

Mr. Arrasmith and his team are amazing. Mr. Arrasmith is very knowledgeable and has been amazing through our whole process. He treats people like a human being and not a paycheck, I would highly recommend him to...

Magan Mellinger

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen

I would highly recommend James. I did lots of research searching for a great Attorney in the area. He makes you feel hopeful during a difficult times. His knowledge and expertise was great!

Maria Guardado

I had a personal issue and needed to consult with a lawyer. James Arrasmith took his time to explain everything so that I could understand exactly what my options were and the best way to go about my next move. I would...

Mark Hodges

A Very Nice, Personable Attorney/Person!! He is Very Patient and Willing to Listen to My {Tour} Case/Problems>I would Highly Recommend James to Anyone Seeking Fair and Equitable Justice!! Mark, CA.

Mark Loeffler

Thank you Mr James for helping me. What a great attorney! If you need help call Mr Arrowsmith!

Marva Davis

I give James Arrowsmith Attorney at Law 5 stars not just because he supports and represents CAED (our Non- Profit Organization that works with children ) but also because of how decent a person I've found him ...

Marvell Wilson

I was sooooo nervous about my case until I called James. He literally made the entire process simple and easy for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is the most amazing attorney I’ve ever had!

Peyton

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patsa Hin-udom

I am Latina and my English is not very good, therefore the attorney made sure that there was an assistant who spoke Spanish and who translated everything he told me and answered all my questions. Excellent service, I...

Paula Barriga

James is fantastic! He answered all of my questions and gave me clear guidance. If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgable attorney, I highly recommend James. Amazing Lawyer!

peyton cooks

James has a very good heart. He takes his cases personally as if it was him. He is a very nice understanding guy

Rachel Ottley

James is very knowledgeable, professional, and dependable. He patiently guided me through my estate planning and pre-nuptial questions, and made both processes much easier for me to understand. Highly recommended.

Sanat Sahasrabudhe

James arasmith is an excellent attorney when I needed help or advice he was always there to answer my calls or emails a very kind person listens & cares.

Tariq Johnson

Thank you so much for being highly responsive. Making I understand every step of the process. As well as checking in with me before important decisions need to be made.

Tulsi Patel

Very friendly, personable, and professional. I was able to get through my legal issue relatively smoothly and had exceptional support through the entire process. Pricing was reasonable and the billing process was not...

V Cat

I had some legal questions, and contacted James Arrasmith Law firm. His response was quick, and very helpful.

vera vlasenko

I highly recommend James Arrasmith. He really listens to your needs & truly cares about his clients. He is very professional & provides great results!

Vicky Tisdale

Contact Us Now

CF-pic.png

(916) 704-3009