Reyes & Associates, P.C.
Pasadena Office

3219 E. Foothill Blvd. 
Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: (213) 383-6244
Fax: (213) 383-6243

info@reyeslawpc.com

Reyes & Associates, P.C.
San Diego Office

1761 Hotel Circle South, Suite #270
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 546-8110
Fax: (619) 546. 8107

info@reyeslawpc.com

Important Disclaimer: This website is attorney advertising. The information included on this site is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

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Aviso Importante: Este sitio web es la publicidad del abogado. La información incluida en este sitio es para propósitos informativos solamente y no constituye consejo legal y no establece una relación abogado-cliente.

Abandonment Remedy

Remedy 2: The "Abandonment" Remedy
A tenant can also abandon (move out of) a defective rental unit when the defects would cost more than one month's rent to repair, but this is not a requirement of the remedy.


If the tenant uses this remedy properly, the tenant is not responsible for paying further rent once he or she has abandoned the rental unit.
 

The basic requirements and steps for lawfully abandoning a rental unit are:
 

  • The defects must be serious and directly related to the tenant's health and safety.

  • The tenant or the tenant's family, guests, or pets must not have caused the defects that require repair.

  • The tenant must inform the landlord, either orally or in writing, of the repairs that are needed. 

  • The tenant must give the landlord a reasonable period of time to make the needed repairs.

What is a reasonable period of time?
This depends on the defects and the types of repairs that are needed. The law usually considers 30 days to be reasonable, but a shorter period may be considered reasonable, depending on the circumstances.

For example, if tree roots block the main sewer drain and none of the toilets or drains work, a reasonable period might be as little as one or two days.

If the landlord doesn't make the repairs within a reasonable period of time, the tenant should notify the landlord in writing of the tenant's reasons for moving and then actually move out. The tenant should return all the rental unit's keys to the landlord.

The notice should be delivered via certified mail. The tenant should keep a copy of the notice. It's a good idea, but not a legal requirement, for the tenant to give the landlord written notice of the tenant's reasons for moving out. The tenant's letter may discourage the landlord from suing the tenant to collect additional rent or other damages. A written notice also documents the tenant's reasons for moving, which may be helpful in the event of a later lawsuit.

If possible, the tenant should take photographs or a video of the defective conditions or have local health or building officials inspect the rental unit before moving. The tenant should keep a copy of the written notice and any inspection reports and photographs or videos.