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  1. #1

    Default Landlord Won't Repair Damage to Sidewalk Causing Pooled Water

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

    I noticed shortly after moving into my apartment (on the second floor) that there is a large crack about 15 feet long in the concrete walkway in front of my new home. The crack is so large it caused two segments of concrete to sag, resulting in about 2 1/2 inches of standing water when it rains.

    I notified the office originally 9 months ago. 30 days later, I asked for a timeline on when it would be fixed. They hadn't even properly submitted the repair request form, so I had to re-request the repair. Their idea of a fix? Put plywood sheets over it for when it rains. I explained that the water leaks out from under the walkway, which could result in structural weakness, so they cut out a section from under the walkway to inspect it. The wood is rotting, as I feared. I had a friend (who is a contractor) examine it, and they expressed extreme concern for the safety of anyone walking on it, to the point that they refuse to visit now.

    I'm about to check in with the office for the fourth time on any possible, tangible repair. Should I type out a notice of withholding rent for when I do? Is it severe enough to warrant such extreme measures? That walkway is the only way into my apartment, and needs MAJOR repairs.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Landlord Won't Repair Damage to Sidewalk Causing Pooled Water

    It sounds like the landlord didn't just lay down plywood, but constructed some sort of bridge. Otherwise there would be no issue of having to look beneath the plywood sheets for issues of structural weakness.

    Is there another entrance to the building that you can use instead of the one with the plywood?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Landlord Won't Repair Damage to Sidewalk Causing Pooled Water

    Quote Quoting Starcruiser322
    View Post


    I'm about to check in with the office for the fourth time on any possible, tangible repair. Should I type out a notice of withholding rent for when I do? Is it severe enough to warrant such extreme measures? That walkway is the only way into my apartment, and needs MAJOR repairs.
    The ONLY thing withholding rent will do is get you evicted, so don't do that. The condition is not a hazard to you, personally, because you know it's there and can avoid it and it doesn't affect the use of your unit.

    Yeah, it offends your sensibilities but that, in law, is not relevant.

    Do put your complaint in writing and keep a record of it along with photos so if somebody does have an accident at least you can prove notice for them.

    Understand that "delay is the deadliest form of denial."

    I suggest you also file a complaint with city or county code enforcement.

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