Landlord not repairing shower
landlord tenant attorney California Aug 13, 2026
Location: Berkeley, California I rent an apartment with one bathroom. There have been problems with the bathtub/shower combo leaking into the apartment below mine on multiple occasions but in the past they have done quick fixes that allowed me to use the shower in less than 72 hours. That is not the current situation. Last Thursday (8 days ago) someone from maintenance came to look at the shower because there was a leak into the neighbors’ unit again. They asked me not to use the shower until it was repaired. I heard nothing from the landlord until Monday morning, despite sending messages to ask for updates Saturday and Sunday. Monday I was told they were getting quotes for the work, and would update me in the afternoon. I could use the shower/tub in a vacant unit, but would need to bring my own shower curtain to shower and arrange it around their showing schedule. I have had no further updates. I have local family where I can bathe, but my understanding is that California considers access to a bath or shower to be a basic habitability requirement. Does offering use of an empty unit cover this?
