Rent / Repairs

San Francisco Bay Area Tenants' Rights Attorney

The law states that a landlord has a duty to maintain a rental unit in a tenantable condition. This means that plumbing, wiring, and structural aspects of the building must be up to code. There must be no water leaking into the building when it rains. The unit must have working windows, window locks, dead bolt locks on the doors, and inside telephone wiring. In addition, the landlord must provide adequate heat and adequate garbage receptacles.

Some landlords refuse to undertake the needed repairs and improvements that make a unit tenantable, even after repeated requests from a tenant. In these situations, under the "Repair and Deduct" clause, the law allows the tenant to make the needed repairs, and then deduct the cost of those repairs from the rent.

Be Careful Making "Repair and Deduct" Improvements

If you fail to follow proper procedures in making "repair and deduct" improvements, it could result in an unlawful detainer action and eviction from your rental unit. Before making any repairs or improvements to your home, you should speak with a tenant rights attorney.

The Law Offices of James Coy Driscoll can explain your rights, what you can and cannot do, and how to proceed in your case. Call us at (415) 673-6000 for a free telephone consultation.

Protecting Your Rights and Your Home

As an experienced lawyer, James Coy Driscoll uses the law to protect the rights and homes of tenants in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and throughout the Bay Area.

Our firm can help you make the right decisions and take the actions needed to protect your rights and your home. For example, it might be best to petition the local rent control board for a rent reduction. In other circumstances, it may make sense to use the "Repair and Deduct" option.

The Law Offices of James Coy Driscoll can inform you of your options and advise you on the best action to take.

For a consultation with a tenants' rights lawyer at the Law Offices of James Coy Driscoll, call (415) 673-6000 or contact us online. The initial telephone consultation is free of charge.