Regardless of the terms of your lease, your landlord must comply with something known as an implied warranty of habitability. In other words, if they rent property intended to be a living space, they are responsible for making sure that it is a suitable dwelling.
One common issue regarding habitability is the lack of running water. If you are dealing with a lack of water in Fresno, you may have a case for compensation and other legal relief. Let a dedicated tenant lawyer serve as your advocate.
A landlord who offers a property as a rental must meet legal obligations, including the implied warranty of habitability. State law requires maintaining sanitary, livable, and structurally sound conditions, even without an explicit promise from the property owner.
One of the critical aspects of a habitable home is running water. From cooking to bathing, the lack of water interferes with virtually every aspect of home life. Thankfully, attorneys who understand tenant rights issues can pursue different options for addressing a lack of clean water in Fresno rental properties.
This obligation applies regardless of the lease terms and cannot be waived. Tenants retain these rights even if they sign a document stating otherwise. Property owners also cannot circumvent these requirements by including disclaimers about the absence of functioning drinking water.
Every issue involving the functionality of a rental property must be classified as either minor or major. This distinction is important to understand, as the classification of the problem will determine the available remedies.
Minor repairs involve issues that do not render a home uninhabitable. This could include something like a slow faucet or a malfunctioning air conditioner. Major issues make a Fresno property unsuitable for people to live in, including the lack of water.
Landlords must promptly address major issues, though disputes may arise over how a problem is classified. Generally, the absence of running water qualifies as a major repair.
When a property owner fails to provide a rental property that is suitable to live in, the occupant has a number of remedies they can pursue. The most straightforward option is reaching out directly to the landlord to request that they make the necessary repairs. While this is often enough, there are times when additional action must be taken.
Tenants have the right to pursue a lawsuit when the warranty of habitability is breached. This could result in financial damages in some cases. These lawsuits can be complex, making it vital to seek the help of a Fresno attorney who understands advocating on behalf of a tenant regarding lack of water issues.
If you are living on a property with a lock of water in Fresno, you could have a viable claim against your landlord. The sooner you reach out to Elder and Spencer, the sooner we can get started fighting for you. Contact us for a private legal consultation today.
(714) 587-5150