Where can I find a list of landlord/tenant laws in California?

Question

I have been renting an apartment for about 6 months, and with the price of the rent is included 1 covered parking spot.
Now the parking spot that I have has sprinklers aiming water at my car twice a day everyday. The city's water is kinda hard so it started leaving build ups and altering the paint on my brand new car on the side where the sprinklers hit.
So I went and asked them to find me another parking spot, I didn't mind waiting for someone to move out to take theirs, but they told me they wouldn't and that I could park somewhere else in an uncovered spot if I wasn't happy.

I don't think that's right....my car is being damaged and they don't want to do anything to fix the problem. And I try cleaning it but it won't come off...

Is there anything I can do, is there a law or something I could bring to them? I'm in California...

thanks

Answer 1

Yes there is a website that will list CA tenant landlord law, unfortunately it does not mention the issue you are having.

Take photos of your car and address this in writing to the Landlord, explain that the sprinkler is doing damage and ask them to have the landscaper either change the sprinkler head so it sprays away from your car or have them or have them change the direction away from the car. As a former property manager for an office building, this can be easily done by the landscaper for little to no expense whatsoever, it's a quick head change and can be done the next time they come out to check the sprinklers or cut the grass. Even their maintenance staff can change it out. Request that this be done it's easy and as a courtesy they should honor your request.

Answer 2

The first 2 answers get my thumbs up. Do take the photos, and do give them copies, and a detailed letter, including your verbal statements to them to this point. KEEP copies of all you do and dated. I see a lawsuit because, they will take their time replacing the sprinkler head...and you are right we have hard water here. No way around that. Damage done to a new car....is expensive. You've tried already nicely by mentioning it, and got no where. WRITTEN will get their attention. But, follow thru on your part is the key now. And if you don't take care and move the car to another place it will appear to a court that your concern was more for the lawsuit than your car. Also, in Calif it is not the responsibility of the landlords to provide a garage, or carport. It is as a perk so to speak. Maybe you can check around and see if those who may not have a carport/garage area are paying less rent....if so ask for a reduction....(probably won't get you anywhere, but, good arguement if you end up in court) Good Luck...

Answer 3

I dont think you will find anything that will be specific to your circumstance but here is the link

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

I would right a letter. Complete with pics of the sprinkler shooting my car and a reference to the point in the contract where they obligate themselves to provide the spot.

I would request their response by a certain day in writing, only. Don't accept their phone call about it.
You need to look serious in order to be taken serious.

Then I would get estimates to fix your car and take them to small claims. If you file a claim against them, thats is when they will be motivated to tell their maintenance guys to adjust the stupid sprinkler or accomodate you. Until then they will be content to listen to your b*tch*ng because 98% of people don't take the extra effort to make things happen.

Good Luck

OBA