The word is ‘habitability.’ In California it’s an implied warranty in every lease, unwaivable, and it’s both a defense to eviction and a basis for rent reduction. Mold, no heat, pests, bad plumbing — documented and noticed properly, these shift the leverage completely.
The notice has to be done right. That’s the whole game.
Don’t pay a lawyer to find out what your rights are. Go to JusticePrompt.com — tenant kit, step by step and get the free kit. No credit card. No upsell. Just the documents and the law.