In CA, the Implied Warranty of Habitability does not apply to amenities such as an air conditioner. Amenities, the responsibility for, should be covered in the lease or rental agreement.

CA does not have a statewide rent control Law but it is possible you have a local one. Check with your City Attorney’s office or a local attorney.

Thu Apr 10 2008, 10:25

Pati,

You as a tenant have certain rights, as the landlord is responsible in providing you safe housing under the implied warranty of habitality. Check out this section of the California Dept. of Consumer Affairs about your rights as a tenant: Copy & paste in your browser.

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/repairs.shtml

In regards to the rent increase, 42% in one year seems excessive. Did your landlord give you written notice of the rent increase? Usually the landlord will need to give a tenant 60 days written notice of a rent increase. Another resource you might want to check into regarding your situation is the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County: Copy & paste this link into your browser:

http://www.fairhousing.net/services.html

You really need to speak to someone who has the knowledge & legal expertise to be able to assist you in this matter. I hope these resources help you.

Thu Apr 10 2008, 09:53

Hi, Patti:

You may want to check out landlord/tenant rights by entering that phrase into a search engine such as Google. Do you know if you are in a rent control district?

If you don't find what you are looking for there you should consult a real estate attorney.

Best of luck to you

Wed Apr 9 2008, 21:35