Is the landlord responsible for painting the walls and shampooing the carpets before new tenants move in?
Under the state Civil Code, a landlord is required to put a rental unit in a condition that is fit for human occupation before the unit is rented. The Code further states that a unit is untenantable if it lacks weatherproofing, plumbing, electricity, heat or refuse removal. The statute does not require a landlord to paint the walls or shampoo carpets before renting a unit. For their protection, tenants should always take pictures to document the condition of a unit when they move in, because their obligation is to leave the unit in the same condition when they vacate. In your case, the landlord would not be eligible to retain part of your security deposit for touch-up painting or shampooing the carpet.
