Typically, landlords are not legally required to cover hotel expenses for tenants who pay on time and take good care in maintaining the property they rent. However, they often make exceptions for good tenants who pay on time and take great pride in maintaining it properly - especially when their unit needs temporary uninhabitability due to fumigation or remodeling work; landlords may agree to cover reasonable hotel costs for a set number of days while prorating rent accordingly ensuring tenants get back their deposit back.
Landlords have an obligation to ensure safe and habitable living conditions for their tenants, which if violated can prompt legal action from tenants such as withholding rent until repairs have been made or taking steps to find alternative accommodations.
What Makes A Rental Property Uninhabitable? Unfortunately, numerous factors can render a rental property inhabitable, including lack of heat or hot water, mold infestation and unhealthy environmental conditions. California landlords must keep their properties safe and in good condition by fixing leaks, providing reliable heating/cooling systems, maintaining cleanliness throughout and promptly responding to pest infestation issues.
Whenever a landlord fails to fulfill their responsibilities, tenants may file an unlawful detainer lawsuit and seek damages for mental distress and inconvenience in addition to financial compensation. They can even sue for wrongful termination of their lease agreement if forced out because repairs cannot be completed within an acceptable period of time.
