Mold and leaks in a California rental

What the law says

• Mold is on the substandard list. Since January 1, 2016, Health and Safety Code 17920.3 includes visible or otherwise demonstrable mold growth, as determined by a health or code enforcement officer. Minor mold on surfaces that get wet in normal use, like a shower, is excluded (SB 655).
• Notice starts the clock. Under Civil Code 1941.7, a landlord isn't required to repair mold until they have notice of it.
• Habitability. Civil Code 1941.1 lists what makes a rental habitable, including effective waterproofing and weather protection and plumbing in good working order.

This is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, a tenant rights group or a lawyer can help.

How to ask

1. Photograph the mold or the leak with the date, and the source if you can see it.
2. Write to the landlord or property manager: what you found, where, when you noticed it, and that you are asking for repair. Email or a text you can keep works; keep a copy.
3. Give access for an inspection or repair; the law lets a landlord enter for it with proper notice.
4. If nothing happens, the City of San Diego and other cities take housing code complaints.

San Diego renters

About 48% of occupied homes in the ZIP codes we cover are rented (Census ACS 2020-2024), and in Pacific Beach, North Park and Logan Heights it is more than two in three. In apartments the leak often comes from another unit. Tell the landlord right away even if the water isn't yours; the delay is what turns a leak into mold.

Your belongings

The landlord's insurance covers the building, not your things. Renters insurance usually covers your belongings after a sudden leak or a fire, and may pay for a place to stay. Flood is excluded there too.