Electrical Fires in Rental Properties: Protecting Yourself Under California Law

An electrical fire can erupt in seconds — from flickering lights and burning smells to full-blown flames — forcing you out of your home and into uncertainty. For tenants in older Los Angeles buildings, these fires often result from outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or unaddressed maintenance requests, turning a simple outlet into a hazard.

California law is clear: Landlords must provide safe electrical systems as part of the habitability standards in Civil Code Section 1941.1, which requires functional wiring, outlets, and fixtures free from fire risks. The state's Electrical Code, aligned with the National Electrical Code, mandates regular inspections and upgrades in multi-unit dwellings. In rent-stabilized LA units, failure to comply can violate the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, exposing landlords to penalties for endangering tenants.

Spot the warning signs early: frequent breaker trips, warm outlets, or exposed wires. Notify your landlord immediately in writing, requesting an inspection by a licensed electrician. If they delay, you may be able to repair and deduct costs, withhold rent pro-rated for uninhabitable days, or break your lease. Post-fire, you may claim "loss of use" damages for temporary housing, lost belongings, and even punitive awards if negligence is proven under premises liability principles.

Tenants Law Firm stands with you to investigate, negotiate, and litigate these claims — for free. Our advocates have secured settlements that rebuild lives after electrical disasters. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Safety shouldn't be a gamble; it's your legal entitlement.