A question was posed about a bathroom having electrical problems (no lights) after an owner repaired a leaking dishwasher. Power was lost in part of the kitchen and bath when the dishwasher repair was made. The owner didn't know what the problem was and hadn't been able to fix the electrical problem–for a time.

Often renters get fed up with recurring issues or annoyance things. They want to know if they can just withhold rent and force the landlord to fix things.

Technically the landlord has to provide the basic living standards, which include electricity, heat, sewer, and cooking ability. Tenants can withhold rent if the house is not habitable.

The definition of uninhabitable is not a few non-working lights. Likely conditions for uninhabitability are emergency situations where there's been a fire, roof damage or water damage affecting the house so portions can't be occupied, septic system failure, heating system failure (in the winter), etc. A tenant can't withhold rent just because the landlord didn't fix a problem right away. We've had two heating units fail days before Christmas this year, and due to holiday business hours, it was impossible to immediately install a new heater, but arrangements were made to diagnose and order the repair as soon as possible.

The key is in the responsiveness of the landlord. In this situation, no lights are an inconvenience that becomes a hazard. Showering in the dark could lead to slipping and falling. Not having full cooking ability in the kitchen or intermittent electrical becomes a hazard. It's a poor decision if the landlord puts off the repair, but intitially not a cause for withholding rent.

Can my landlord charge $200 for not having my rent in by the 5th?

Look at your rental or lease agreement. The terms of late rent payments should be outlined there, whether it be a flat fee or a graduated rate (every day it's late the fee increases). If you signed the agreement and/or accepted the keys and are paying rent…then you have committed to all terms of the lease.

Each year in the Bay Area it's getting warmer. I remember when 85 was considered peak summer heat!

Many renters are looking for homes with A/C or asking landlords to add it. Understandably so, though don't be surprised if the owner says "No."

California law states residences must have heat, but A/C is not considered a legal requirement at this time. It is a convenience item and at the discretion or agreement between landlord and tenant. Installing a new, forced-air A/C system in a home usually costs $5000 to $8000 depending on the upgrades needed to the current heat system.

Most landlords will allow tenants to install portable or window A/C units at the tenant's expense. However, depending on the construction of the property, A/C may not be the whole solution to the heat. Attic fans, ceiling fans, dual-pane windows, blackout drapes, porch covers or shades, and insulation can all increase the property's ability to refract heat. These all fall under the "convenience" item category, so landlords are not required to provide or permit them.

Tenants, remember to check with your landlord before making any permanent changes to your rental property. Many landlords appreciate efforts made that will enhance the desireablilty of their rental in the future, so they may be quite agreeable to your suggestions and efforts. However, your changes, if not agreed upon, may be deducted from your security deposit for "restoration" of property.

Subleasing can consist of bringing in a roommate or moving out and finding someone to take over your lease. This is a good economical option for many, but there are some potential potholes in this road to success.

Many leases prohibit sub-leasing, so read your lease terms. You probably need to get your landlord's stamp of approval if you add an occupant or want someone to take over your lease. If you simply find someone to move in and take over the rent, this could be a violation of the lease and the landlord could evict you. Yes, I said YOU.

Most leases limit the number of occupants and may add an additional monthly fee to the rent if there is a change in occupancy. Usually it's a minor amount and the benfit of splitting the rent will outweigh the fee. But, if your roommate is not on the lease and decides to stop paying you rent, your landlord has no obligation to help you. So pick your roommates wisely and make sure they are added to the lease so they have some incentive with the financial responsibility.

Also, if you sublease and move out, you would still be liable for the rent, plus the new renter and whatever the new renter does to the unit as the lease still has your name on it. So, rather than having help in a difficult situation, you may end up paying rent in your new location and paying rent while your subleasee enjoys the benefits of worry-free housing. It becomes a snowball effect like co-signing for a relative's car or house. If they stop paying, it becomes your responsibility to step in and make the payments on something you don't tangibly own and can't sell.

I received a notice of eviction from a past landlord. I don't live at the house any more. I moved out six months ago. Is this a joke?

If landlord has gone to the trouble of filing a notice of default and started court procedings, I'd wager a guess it's not a joke.

If you had a lease on the house and sub-leased or moved out and left roommates behind to finish out the lease terms, did you notify the landlord AND get your name removed from the lease?

If your name is on the lease and the remaining people have not paid rent, you are still responsible in the eyes of the law–and the landlord–for the unpaid rent or whatever other violation of the lease has occurred.

Best contact the landlord and your ex-roommates and see what you can negotiate to stay the eviction….or they may obtain a judgment against you which could become a collection on your record!