A tenant in California may be able to withhold rent if their landlord fails to fix serious defects that make the property unlivable: 

• Identify the issues

  Document the problems that make the property uninhabitable, such as structural damage, lack of heat or water, or hazardous materials. 

• Notify the landlord

  Send a written notice to the landlord via certified mail, email, or text. 

• Allow time for repairs

  Give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs, depending on the severity of the problems and local laws. 

• Withhold rent

  If the landlord doesn't make the repairs within the specified time frame, the tenant may be able to withhold rent. 

• Seek legal action

  If the landlord still doesn't make the repairs, the tenant may consider legal action. 

Some things to keep in mind include: 

• Withholding rent may put the tenant at risk of eviction. 

• In some states, the tenant must pay the rent to a court or escrow account instead of withholding it. 

• If the tenant receives an eviction notice, they should tell their lawyer or the court about the health and safety issues in their home. 

• Tenants should document all communication with the landlord, including copies of written notices and emails. 

• Tenants can also consider filing a small claims case against the landlord.