Cal. Civ. Code § 17980.6
California Health and Safety Code
Operative Text
If any building is maintained in a manner that violates any provisions of this part, the building standards published in the State Building Standards Code relating to the provisions of this part, any other rule or regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this part, or any provision in a local ordinance that is similar to a provision in this part, and the violations are so extensive and of such a nature that the health and safety of residents or the public is substantially endangered, the enforcement agency may issue an order or notice to repair or abate pursuant to this part. Any order or notice pursuant to this subdivision shall be provided either by both posting a copy of the order or notice in a conspicuous place on the property and by first-class mail to each affected residential unit, or by posting a copy of the order or notice in a conspicuous place on the property and in a prominent place on each affected residential unit. The order or notice shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following: (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the agency that issued the notice or order. (b) The date, time, and location of any public hearing or proceeding concerning the order or notice. (c) Information that the lessor cannot retaliate against a lessee pursuant to Section 1942.5 of the Civil Code.
California Health & Safety Code § 17980.6 authorizes a local or state enforcement agency to issue a formal repair-or-abate order when a building's code violations are so widespread or serious that they substantially endanger the health and safety of residents or the public. The order must be delivered by posting it visibly on the property and either mailing it to each affected unit or posting it directly on each unit's door. Every such order is required to identify the issuing agency, disclose any upcoming public hearing, and notify occupants that the landlord is legally prohibited from retaliating against them under Civil Code § 1942.5.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17980.6, a compliant property owner or manager monitors building conditions closely enough to address extensive code violations before they rise to the level of substantially endangering health and safety. When an enforcement agency does issue a repair-or-abate order under this section, operators generally document receipt of the notice, track the required posting and mailing steps the agency has taken, and move promptly to remediate the cited conditions. Operators also take care to avoid any conduct toward residents that could be characterized as retaliation under Civil Code § 1942.5, since the order itself must inform tenants of that protection.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17980.6 gives tenants the right to receive formal notice—either by mail or by a posting on their unit—whenever an enforcement agency determines that building-wide violations substantially endanger health and safety. The notice must tell you which agency issued the order, when any public hearing is scheduled, and that your landlord cannot legally retaliate against you under Civil Code § 1942.5 for exercising your rights. Tenants who believe they have not received proper notice, who want to participate in a public hearing, or who experience retaliation after such an order is issued may consider contacting the issuing enforcement agency, a local rent board if one exists, or a tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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