Complaint Letter to Landlord — California (2026)
In CA, a landlord generally has 30 days after written notice to fix a habitability problem (Cal. Civ. Code § 1942).
Below: the rule with its citation, a free sample letter you can copy, and a generator that fills in your dates and computes your deadline for $19.
- to make the repair after notice
- 30 daysto make the repair after notice
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942
30 days is presumed reasonable; less for urgent defects.
Free sample letter
All samplesUse it as-is, or let the generator write it with your amounts and the Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 deadline already computed.
[Your name]
[Your current address]
[Date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Re: Written notice of needed repair — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I am writing to give you written notice of a problem at [rental address] that needs repair: [describe the problem]. It began on [date].
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 gives a landlord in California 30 days after written notice to make a repair of this kind.
Please arrange the repair, and let me know a date and time so I can provide access.
I am keeping a copy of this letter and a record of the condition of the unit.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
California questions
In CA, a landlord generally has 30 days after written notice to fix a habitability problem (Cal. Civ. Code § 1942).
It isn't required, but judges expect it. A dated letter with a certified-mail receipt is the cleanest evidence that you gave the other side a chance to resolve it.
Rule set last curated 2026-08-01. Self-help document service. Not a law firm, and not legal advice. We do not review your letter or represent you. These state rules are under legal review — verify anything you rely on against the current statute.