California Emergency Exit Lighting Rules for Renters

As a renter in California, knowing your rights around emergency exit lighting can help make sure your home is both safe and code-compliant. California law sets clear standards for exit sign placement, brightness, and maintenance in residential and multifamily properties. This guide answers commonly asked questions and explains what to do if your rental doesn’t meet these requirements.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards in California?

Emergency exit lighting refers to the illuminated signs and backup lighting designed to help building occupants evacuate safely if the power goes out, especially during fires or earthquakes. In California, strict standards are set by both state law and local codes to ensure tenant safety in apartment buildings and rental housing with two or more units.

Basic Requirements for Exit Lighting

  • Visible and Unobstructed: Every exit and exit access must be marked by a visible and illuminated sign.
  • Continuous Illumination: Exit signs and egress paths must be continuously lit, with backup power to last at least 90 minutes in power outages.
  • Brightness: Lighting must be bright enough to read exit signage from a reasonable distance.
  • Maintenance: Exit lights must be kept in good working order, and landlords are responsible for testing and repairs.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: According to the California Building Standards Code and Health & Safety Code, rental units must also include smoke alarms and, in certain cases, carbon monoxide detectors for added emergency protection.

If you live in an apartment or multi-unit rental, working emergency exit lighting is a legal safety requirement. If you notice a problem, inform your landlord in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Applicable Laws and Codes

California’s emergency exit lighting standards are enforced by several agencies and codes:

The California Department of Consumer Affairs and your city’s building department typically oversee enforcement.

Ad

Landlord Responsibilities and Renter Rights

It’s the landlord’s legal duty to ensure all required emergency exit lighting—and related safety equipment—is installed and properly maintained in compliance with state and local codes. If you report a malfunction or missing exit sign, the landlord must address it within a reasonable time.

  • Tenants have the right to request repairs for faulty or missing emergency lighting.
  • Landlords cannot retaliate against renters for making a good-faith safety request.
  • If your landlord ignores your request, you may have the right to report the violation to local authorities or withhold rent in certain urgent cases—always follow the steps in state law or get advice first.

How to Report a Problem with Emergency Lighting

  • Document the issue with photos and clear descriptions.
  • Send a written repair request to your landlord (preferably by certified mail or email).
  • If unresolved after a reasonable time, contact your city or county building department.
  • For ongoing issues, renters may use the official "Request for Inspection" form (varies by city, often simply called “Housing Code Complaint” or “Request for Inspection of Rental Unit”).

Retain copies of all correspondence and forms for your records. Your city or county’s housing or building department contact info is usually available on their official website.

Relevant Tribunal and Where to Get Help

Tenant-landlord disputes, including unaddressed safety code issues, are typically handled in California Superior Court—Civil Division (Landlord-Tenant/Eviction). Many regions also have local Rent Boards or Housing Departments to accept complaints and mediate concerns.

FAQ

  1. Do emergency exit lighting laws apply to all rentals in California?
    Generally, emergency exit lighting standards apply to multi-unit or apartment buildings. Single-family rentals may still need smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but exit lighting is not usually required in standalone homes.
  2. How soon must a landlord fix a broken emergency exit light?
    Landlords are required to perform repairs within a “reasonable” period, typically 30 days or sooner for urgent safety hazards. Document all repair requests in writing.
  3. Can I withhold rent if emergency lighting is not repaired?
    In severe situations involving habitability and after following the proper notice procedures, California law may allow tenants to withhold rent or make repairs and deduct the cost. Seek legal advice or help from your local housing agency before taking this step.
  4. What official forms should I use to report a violation?
    Most California cities provide a "Housing Code Complaint" or “Request for Inspection” form. For example, the Los Angeles Housing Department Code Enforcement Complaint Form is used to report unresolved safety code violations.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

  • California law protects renters by requiring working emergency exit lighting in apartment and multi-unit buildings.
  • If these lights are missing or broken, notify your landlord in writing right away and follow up if the problem isn’t fixed.
  • For unresolved issues, your local housing department or court can offer additional support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. California Building Standards Code (Title 24)
  2. California Civil Code Section 1941.3
  3. LA Housing Department Code Enforcement Complaint Form
  4. California Superior Court—Landlord-Tenant Division
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.