Fight Back Against Unlivable Conditions

Giragossian Law has been the go to advocate for tenants, empowering them to stand up and fight back against unlivable conditions and unjust treatment by property owners. Our office prides itself on addressing serious habitability issues such as vermin and roach infestations, plumbing and heating deficiencies, unsafe structures, and lack of essential utilities. Our office ensures that landlords are held accountable. We stand up for tenants against illegal and unjust harassment, including unlawful evictions, retaliatory conduct, privacy violations, and intimidation tactics. At Giragossian Law, we are dedicated to bringing dignity to every home, transforming living conditions, and ensuring tenants’ rights are upheld and we do so with compassion, expertise and professionalism.

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Defending Your Living Standards

Your landlord must keep your rental home “habitable” meaning safe and fit to live in. Tenants have rights under California Law. Civil Code Section 1941.1; Health and Safety Code §17920.3

Common Habitability Issues

Infestation: Insect, vermin, or rodents infestations. (rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs)

Mold & Mildew: persistent mold or mildew growth.

Plumbing issues: including lack of hot water, leaks and overflow of sewage.

Effective waterproofing: Walls and roofs that need repair because they do not keep out rain and wind.

Electrical issues: unsafe and nonworking electrical equipment and wiring, as well as sparking outlets and flickering lights.

Sanitation: inadequate sanitation, including lack of sufficient trash bins, and unsafe common areas.

Fire: Tenants being displaced because of fires.

Unsafe living Conditions: including but not limited to non working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lack of fire and emergency exits, stairways and railing not in good repair.

Subject Premise Liability: Personal injury due to habitability issues in the subject premises including slip, trip and falls, electrocution due to unground outlets or unsafe wiring, smoke inhalation due to fire and other physical injuries caused by mold, lead contamination.

Landlord Harassment/Retaliation: You have the right to request repairs, report health and safety issues, and seek assistance from local health and building and safety departments without facing retaliation. Landlords cannot harass or retaliate by threatening or disclosing your immigration status to pressure you to move out.

Lead Poisoning: Paint chips in older buildings sometimes contain lead, which can cause lead poisoning if ingested. this can be more serious concern for families with young children in rental units that were built before 1978.

Asbestos Contamination: Rentals with popcorn ceilings or those built before 1978 may have unhealthy amounts of asbestos. Asbestos particles can cause serious health problems if inhaled or consumed. This may happen when dry wall containing asbestos are tempered with without proper testing or taking of the proper precautionary steps.

Defending Your Living Standards

Your landlord must keep your rental home “habitable” meaning safe and fit to live in. Tenants have rights under California Law. Civil Code Section 1941.1; Health and Safety Code §17920.3

Common Habitability Issues

Infestation: Insect, vermin, or rodents infestations. (rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs)

Mold & Mildew: persistent mold or mildew growth.

Plumbing issues: including lack of hot water, leaks and overflow of sewage.

Effective waterproofing: Walls and roofs that need repair because they do not keep out rain and wind.

Electrical issues: unsafe and nonworking electrical equipment and wiring, as well as sparking outlets and flickering lights.

Sanitation: inadequate sanitation, including lack of sufficient trash bins, and unsafe common areas.

Fire: Tenants being displaced because of fires.

Unsafe living Conditions: including but not limited to non working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lack of fire and emergency exits, stairways and railing not in good repair.

Asbestos Contamination: Rentals with popcorn ceilings or those built before DATE HERE may have unhealthy amounts of asbestos. Asbestos particles can cause serious health problems if inhaled or consumed. This may happen when dry wall containing asbestos are tempered with without proper testing or taking of the proper precautionary steps.

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Landlord-Tenant Law?

California law mandates that residential units must be livable. The Implied Warranty of Habitability, outlined in California Civil Code section 1941.1 requires rental properties to have:

Proper waterproofing and weather protection.
Functional plumbing or gas facilities
Hot and cold running water
Adequate heating
Proper electrical lighting
Garbage and rubbish disposal facilities.
Well-maintained floors, stairways, and railings.
Secure locks on doors and windows.

Additionally, the California Health and Safety Code specifies when a dwelling is “substandard.” If a landlord fails to meet these requirements and doesn’t maintain the property, tenants can make necessary repairs and deduct the cost from their rent. Essentially, landlords must provide safe and habitable living conditions in exchange for the rent they collect.

What are the initial costs to start a case:

Giragossian Law does not charge any initial fees or cost to either consult or take on your case. All consultations are free of charge, and we work on a contingency basis.

How long will the litigation process take?

Each case is different and will vary accordingly. Generally, litigation can range from one year to two and half years.

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Anthony Lopez Google Review

Maria was very thorough and shared with me all the pros and cons regarding me and my family's mold case/contract breach while we lived in our apartment.

I appreciate the communication and follow up that she and her team provided during our case. The money she helped us receive to compensate for the terrible experience the property management team put my family through was very helpful and I strongly recommend her to anyone that is going through a similar experience.

Stephen Herman Google Review

Maria is the consummate professional, an extremely diligent person who communicates well and is absolutely results driven. I was struggling with a Landlord/Tenant dispute and was referred to Maria by someone who described her as the best at what she does. The results speak for themselves. Thank you so much for a terrific resolution.

A Morris Google Review

Attorney Giragossian did an amazing job settling my case. Thanks to her I was able to relocate to a new apartment. She was a great communicator and helped me during a time when I was under a lot of stress.

Mary Keledjian Google Review

Maria is a rockstar! She is always available and transparent every step of the way! She has helped me tremendously numerous times. Best lawyer in Pasadena hands down!

Ramdasha B Yelp

I had a pretty stressful housing issue and was very much in over my head. This law firm worked swiftly and efficiently. They were very communicative and kind. I was scared and wasn't sure I was going to be able to get the results I wanted. I Can tell you i got more than I accepted and really felt supported. I highly recommend this firm.

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Have a Question?

Please complete the form, and our office will contact you to schedule a consultation. – Giragossian Law

(626) 584-0220

Fight Back Against Unlivable Conditions

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Defending Your Living Standards

Common Habitability Issues

Defending Your Living Standards

Common Habitability Issues

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Frequently Asked Questions

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

HABITABILITY ISSUES?

Have a Question?

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