Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Kelvin Nielsen
“Do landlords have to provide window screens?” This is a common question among tenants in California. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know in this regard. So, continue reading to learn more!
Landlords in California have a number of responsibilities under the California Residential Landlord & Tenant Law. Among these is the responsibility to provide a home that meets the state’s basic health, safety, and building codes.
That said, does California’s “Implied Warranty of Habitability (CA Civ. Code § 1941.2) require landlords to provide window screens? Generally speaking, it doesn’t! Your landlord generally doesn’t have any responsibility to provide window screens.
Some exceptions does exist, however. If the lack of a window screen makes the unit uninhabitable, then your landlord must provide them. For instance, if you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, and you don’t have window screens to keep them out, your landlord may need to provide window screens.
The following are answers to commonly asked questions on the topic.
When do landlords have to provide window screens in California?
As already motioned, California law on habitability doesn’t require landlords to provide window screens. However, there are certain situations where a landlord may be forced to provide them, especially if their lack interferes with the unit’s habitability.
The following are instances where your landlord may need to provide window screens.
#1: The property is located in a high-crime area.
Do you live in a high-crime area in California? If you do, your landlord may need to provide you with a home with window screens for safety reasons.
Window screens help provide an extra layer of protection against potential intruders, making it difficult for them to break into your home. This is especially true if the window screens are made of aluminum mesh, stainless steel, or other strong materials.
#2: The property is located in a coastal area.
Coastal areas are normally high-risk areas for pests such as termites, rats, ants, and cockroaches. If the lack of window screens allows easy ingress of pests into your home in California, then your landlord may need to install them.
Window screens are made of mesh material that makes it almost impossible for most insects to pass through.
#3: The property is located in an area where there is a lot of pollen or dust.
If you have allergies and you’re living in an area where there is a lot of pollen or dust, your landlord may have to install window screens for habitability reasons.
Who is responsible for maintaining window screens, landlord or tenant?
If the landlord provides window screens, then they have a duty to maintain and repair them. They must also respond to the tenant’s repair requests within 30 days.
On your part as a tenant, you obtain certain responsibilities as well. You have a duty to do the following.
- Clean the screens on a regular basis.
- Repair any small holes or tears.
- Replace the screen if the damage is caused by your negligence or carelessness.
- Keep the screen free of debris, such as insects, leaves, or cobwebs.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about landlord-or tenant’s responsibility when it comes to window screens in California. If you more questions, kindly hire the services of an expert attorney.
Disclosure: The content herein isn’t a substitute for advice from a professional attorney. It’s only meant to serve educational purposes. If you have a specific question, kindly seek expert attorney services.
Sources: CA Civ. Code § 1941.2, California Residential Landlord & Tenant Law,
You May Also Like:
Hi, I’m Kelvin Nielsen, an experienced landlord and accomplished real estate lawyer. My focus is on answering your questions about renting in the hopes of making your life as a renter or a landlord a bit easier.