California Tenant Repair Demand and Remedy-Reservation Notice

California Tenant Repair Demand and Remedy-Reservation Notice

Tenant, Landlord, and Premises

• Tenant(s): [________________________________]
• Landlord/authorized agent: [________________________________]
• Premises, including unit: [________________________________]
• Lease date and monthly rent: [________________________________]
• Date of this notice: [__/__/____]
• Rent is current: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Disputed

Defect Chronology

Supporting photographs, reports, messages, and invoices are attached as Exhibits [____].

Formal Demand

The conditions described above substantially impair tenantability or involve items the landlord is required to maintain. They include, as applicable:

☐ Weatherproofing, windows, or doors
☐ Plumbing, gas, hot/cold water, or sewage
☐ Heating, electrical service, stove, or refrigerator
☐ Sanitation, garbage, rodents, or vermin
☐ Floors, stairs, or railings
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Tenant gives notice under California Civil Code section 1942 and demands that the landlord inspect, commence appropriate work, and complete repairs within a reasonable time. Requested completion date: [__/__/____]. Please provide a written repair schedule by [__/__/____].

Access and Coordination

Tenant consents to lawful access for inspection and repair on reasonable notice at these proposed times: [________________________________]. Emergency access may be coordinated at [PHONE/EMAIL]. This consent does not waive applicable entry rules or permit unrelated access.

California Remedy Gate

Civil Code section 1942 may permit repair and deduction only for dilapidations rendering the premises untenantable that the landlord ought to repair, after notice and neglect for a reasonable time. The expenditure may not exceed one month's rent, and the remedy may not be used more than twice in any 12-month period. Acting after day 30 creates a rebuttable presumption of reasonable time; a shorter period depends on the circumstances. The remedy is unavailable for a tenant-caused condition covered by sections 1929 or 1941.2.

• Estimated repair cost: $[__________]
• One month's rent: $[__________]
• Prior section 1942 uses in the last 12 months: [____]
• Condition was caused by tenant/household conduct: ☐ No ☐ Yes/uncertain—obtain counsel

No deduction or vacating election is made by this notice unless counsel inserts an express election here: [________________________________]. Tenant reserves all rights, including applicable anti-retaliation protections under section 1942.5.

Delivery Record

Delivered to the landlord or agent identified under Civil Code section 1962 by:

☐ Personal delivery on [__/__/____]
☐ Mail on [__/__/____], tracking no. [________________________________]
☐ Lease-approved electronic method on [__/__/____]
☐ Other documented method: [________________________________]

Tenant signature: [________________________________] Date: [__/__/____]

Sources and References

• Cal. Civ. Code § 1941.1 — California Legislative Information — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1941.1.&lawCode=CIV
• Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 — California Legislative Information — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1942.&lawCode=CIV
• Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5 — California Legislative Information — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1942.5.&lawCode=CIV