In California, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining livable, pest-free conditions in their rental properties. The state's civil code requires landlords to provide buildings and grounds free of rodents, insects, and other pests. An infestation of any kind renders a living space legally uninhabitable.
The only exception is if the tenant causes the infestation through uncleanliness or other conditions conducive to pests. In that case, the tenant becomes responsible for pest removal. Otherwise, it falls on the landlord to hire professional exterminators and properly eliminate pests.
If a landlord fails to address a reported infestation, tenants can take actions like withholding rent, moving out, or hiring pest control and deducting it from rent. Tenants can also sue their landlord in housing court for violating livability standards. Proper documentation of all requests to the landlord is key. Overall, California upholds a tenant's right to a habitable, pest-free home.
