Who is Responsible for Property Maintenance & Correcting Code Violations?
Ultimately, the Property Owner is responsible for ensuring that code violations are corrected. However, the property tenants also have an obligation (through the rental agreement) to keep the property in good condition and free from code violations. California Civil Code Sections 1928 and 2941.2, tenants are required to take reasonable care of the rented property. The tenant is responsible for damages caused by him/her or anyone else for which he/she is responsible for (e.g. children and guests) that result from neglect or abuse. The landlord is responsible for repairing conditions that seriously affect the rental units habitability. For less serious repairs, responsibility to make repairs is often determined by the rental agreement.
