Cal. Civ. Code § 17995.4

California Health and Safety Code

In Force
Verified 6/11/2026 · Next check 7/11/2026
CaliforniaHabitability & Repair

Operative Text

Cal. Civ. Code § 17995.4
Any person found in contempt of a court order or injunction pursuant to the provisions of this part for a second or subsequent time within a five-year period for violations at the same property where such violations are determined by the trier of fact to be so extensive and of such a nature that the immediate health and safety of residents or the public is endangered and where the extent and nature of the violations are due to the defendant’s habitual neglect of customary maintenance and display a flagrant lack of concern for the health and safety of residents and the public, shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) and by imprisonment of not less than six months but not exceeding one year, provided also that the trier of fact finds at least four serious violations of the following categories of violations are involved:
(a)
Termination, extended interruption or serious defects of gas, water or electric utility systems provided such interruptions or termination is not caused by the tenant’s failure to pay such gas, water or electric bills.
(b)
Serious defects or lack of adequate space and water heating.
(c)
Serious rodent, vermin or insect infestation.
(d)
Severe deterioration, rendering significant portions of the structure unsafe or unsanitary.
(e)
Inadequate numbers of garbage receptacles or service.
(f)
Unsanitary conditions affecting a significant portion of the structure as a result of faulty plumbing or sewage disposal.
(g)
Inoperable hallway lighting.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

California Health & Safety Code § 17995.4 establishes enhanced criminal penalties for property owners who repeatedly defy court orders or injunctions related to housing violations. Specifically, a second or subsequent contempt finding within five years—at the same property—can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and a jail term of six months to one year, but only when a fact-finder determines that at least four serious violation categories were involved, that the violations endangered health and safety, and that they stemmed from habitual neglect and a flagrant disregard for residents and the public. The qualifying violation categories include utility failures, heating deficiencies, pest infestations, structural deterioration, inadequate garbage service, sewage or plumbing failures, and inoperable hallway lighting.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 3, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17995.4, operators who have already been subject to a court order or injunction for housing violations face significantly heightened exposure if a second or subsequent contempt finding occurs within five years at the same property. Compliant operators generally maintain ongoing documentation of repairs, respond promptly to maintenance issues across all seven listed categories, and treat court-ordered remediation timelines as firm deadlines rather than guidelines. Demonstrating a consistent, proactive maintenance program is the hallmark of operations that avoid the pattern of habitual neglect this provision is designed to address.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17995.4 reflects California's recognition that persistent, serious housing violations—spanning areas like utility service, pest control, structural safety, and sanitation—can carry criminal consequences for landlords who repeatedly ignore court orders. Tenants living in properties with ongoing conditions in these categories may have grounds to report violations to local code enforcement or a housing authority, which can initiate or support court proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help residents understand how documented violations at a property relate to provisions like § 17995.4 and what enforcement paths may be available.

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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Related Rules

§ 127A
State sanitary code; adoption; enforcement; jurisdiction; speedy trial
§ 127B
Dwellings unfit for human habitation; order to vacate or to abate nuisance; removal of occupants; demolition expense, lien; inspection reports; code violations; notices; enforcement proceedings, jurisdiction; appeal
§ 127C
Petition for violation of sanitary code; requisites

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