What can I do if the elevator in my California high-rise is broken for several days?

You should notify your landlord in writing, request updates, and can contact your city’s building department or submit a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department if accessibility is affected.

Can I break my lease if the elevator isn’t fixed?

You may have grounds to do so if essential repairs are not made, but you must provide formal notice and allow time for repairs. Review city and state guidance before acting.

What forms should I use for disability-related issues during outages?

Submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request (DFEH-2006) to request help, and file a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department if your needs are not met.

Is my landlord required to provide alternative accommodation if I can’t access my unit?

Landlords must provide reasonable solutions under California and federal law, such as relocation or on-site assistance for affected tenants.

Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in California?

Disputes are handled by city Rent Boards, Housing Departments, or the California Courts Self-Help Center, depending on your area and the issue.

California Renter Rights During Elevator Outages in High-Rises

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations California published: June 21, 2025

Living in a high-rise building in California comes with the expectation that elevators will work safely and reliably. When elevator outages occur, renters—especially those with disabilities—can face serious hardships. Here’s what every California tenant in a high-rise should know about their rights and the protections offered under state law.

Understanding Elevator Responsibility in California Rentals

California law requires landlords to maintain common areas and essential services, which includes keeping elevators in safe, working order. When elevators break down in your building, your landlord must fix them promptly, especially if you or someone in your household needs the elevator for accessibility.

Habitability standards: Under the California Civil Code Section 1941.1, all rental units must be fit for occupation, which includes functioning elevators in buildings that require them.
Accessibility requirements: Landlords must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, ensuring access for tenants with disabilities.

If you are unable to access your rental unit or vital services due to an elevator outage, this may violate these obligations.

Your Rights When Elevators Break Down

Renters have several important rights when facing prolonged elevator failures, especially those whose daily life relies on elevator access.

You may request written notice from your landlord about outages and repair updates.
You can ask for reasonable accommodations (for example, relocation or assistance) if you have a disability, under the California Civil Rights Department.
If repairs are delayed unreasonably, you may have options under the state’s “repair and deduct” rule or even be entitled to withhold rent in extreme cases. See California's guide to Habitability and Repairs for details.

If the problem is ongoing, consider documenting each outage with dates, times, and impacts, especially if you contact your landlord or building manager.

Special Rights for Disabled Tenants

California law, together with the ADA, gives extra protections to renters with disabilities. You can formally request a reasonable accommodation if a broken elevator affects your ability to access your home. The Reasonable Accommodation Request form, available from the California Civil Rights Department (Form DFEH-2006), is used to make such a request. For example, a renter who uses a wheelchair may request first-floor relocation or assistance accessing their apartment while repairs are pending.

Filing a Complaint About Elevator Service

If the landlord is not responsive, you can take several formal steps:

Submit a written complaint to your landlord outlining the problem and requesting prompt repairs.
If there’s still no action, you can file a Habitability Complaint with your local city Department of Building & Safety, who can cite the landlord for code violations.
You can submit a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department if you believe your rights are violated due to disability or lack of accessibility.

California does not have a single statewide tenant tribunal, but disputes may also end up in Small Claims Court or with local Rent Boards, depending on your city. For general legal disputes, the California Courts Self-Help Center provides step-by-step guidance.

Official Forms for Renter Use

Reasonable Accommodation Request (DFEH-2006): Use when you need landlords to make disability-related changes or provide access solutions during elevator outages. View and download the official form.
Discrimination Complaint (Online or DFEH-700-03): Use if the landlord is ignoring or denying your accessibility needs. Start the complaint process here.

Taking Action: Steps for Tenants Affected by Elevator Outages

Taking clear steps and keeping records can make a big difference. We outline the process below.

Notify your landlord or property manager in writing right away about the outage and how it affects you.
Request confirmation and timeline for repairs.
If you need a special accommodation (e.g., temporary ground-floor access), fill out and submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request form (DFEH-2006).
If the building remains inaccessible, contact your local city housing department and, if necessary, the California Civil Rights Department for help.
Document all communications and keep copies for your records.

Swift communication and following official procedures can help speed up repairs and ensure your rights are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I do if the elevator in my California high-rise is broken for several days?
If your elevator is out for several days, start by notifying your landlord in writing. If they do not act quickly, you can contact your city’s building department, request a reasonable accommodation if you have a disability, or file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department.
Can I break my lease if the elevator isn’t fixed?
If a landlord does not fix vital services like elevators in a reasonable time, you may have grounds to break your lease, but first you must follow the proper steps, including notifying them and giving a chance for repairs. Legal advice from your local Rent Board or city housing office can help you safely navigate this process.
What forms do I use for disability-related issues during outages?
Use the Reasonable Accommodation Request (DFEH-2006) for accessibility needs, and consider a discrimination complaint form if your request isn’t met.
Is my landlord required to provide alternative accommodation if I can’t access my unit?
Landlords must provide reasonable solutions under California and federal law—often this means temporary relocation, help with groceries, or other practical measures for affected tenants.
Who oversees tenant-landlord disputes in California?
While there’s no single state-wide tribunal, local city Rent Boards or Housing Departments handle these issues. The California Courts Self-Help Center is the official resource for court disputes.

Conclusion – Key Takeaways

Landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining elevators in California high-rises.
Tenants have rights under state habitability and accessibility laws, and extra protections for disabilities.
Keep written records, use official forms, and contact city or state departments for unresolved outages.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

California Civil Rights Department: Housing Protections
California Department of Consumer Affairs: Tenant Resources
California Courts Self-Help Center
Local city Rent Board (search your city name + "rent board" for the official site)
Local city Building and Safety or Housing Departments (for filing habitability complaints)