L.A. County has been much colder this winter than most of us are used to. Many of us are turning up the heat to stay warm. But what happens if you’re a renter and your heat isn’t working properly – or isn’t working at all? What do you need to know if you’re having heating problems?
State law requires landlords to provide rental units that are safe and in livable conditions. One of those conditions is to provide heating that works properly.
What’s the first thing I should do if my heat isn’t working properly?
If your heat is not working properly, reach out to your landlord and submit a maintenance request. While the maintenance requests can be submitted over the phone, by text, or in-person, you should always submit a written request. This allows you to establish proper record of your request. Keep a copy for yourself.
Does my landlord need proof that the heater isn’t working? Do I need to share any documentation with the landlord (for example, a document from SoCal Gas)?
You’re not required to supply documentation or proof to submit a maintenance request to your landlord. Unless the heater has been red tagged by the gas company, it would be quite difficult to provide proof, unless there are visible damages to the heater.
What if my landlord doesn’t respond to my request?
A broken heater or lack of one is considered an urgent repair and your landlord must immediately take the steps needed to make urgent repairs. If your landlord fails to make urgent repairs, you can file a complaint with a government enforcement agency, such as the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health or your local Department of Building & Safety. You should also consult with an attorney on your rights.
Some cities may also be subject to local ordinances that provide additional protections for tenants.
My gas bill is so high, can I even afford to turn on my heater?
Resources are available to assist income-qualified customers cope with sky-high bills, including the Gas Assistance Fund. Check LA County’s list of available programs.
How can DCBA help?
A DCBA Rent Counselor can help you verify what protections apply to where you live. You can call us at 800-593-8222 or make an appointment to speak with a DCBA Rent Counselor who can help you verify what protections apply to you and what steps you can take get your heating up and running.
