Renting should feel straightforward, and most of the time it is. But a few things quietly make the difference between a smooth tenancy and an expensive surprise: the right insurance, knowing which repairs are yours versus the owner's, and reading your lease before you need to. Here is a practical starting point for renters in Pittsburg, Antioch, and across East Contra Costa County.
Get renters insurance
A common surprise: the owner's insurance covers the building, not your things inside it. If there is a fire, a burst pipe, or a theft, your furniture, electronics, and clothes are your responsibility unless you carry renters insurance. A quick call to a local insurance agent is worth it before you need it, not after, and it is the place to ask what a policy covers and what it costs.
Know your maintenance responsibilities
A good lease is clear about who handles what. The law sets a floor for the owner. Under Civil Code section 1941.1, a dwelling is untenantable if it substantially lacks standard characteristics such as weatherproofing of the roof and exterior walls, plumbing or gas facilities in good working order, hot and cold running water, heating facilities in good working order, and electrical lighting with wiring in good working order.
Tenants have duties too. Civil Code section 1941.2 lists them: keep the part of the home you occupy clean and sanitary, dispose of rubbish and garbage properly, use electrical, gas and plumbing fixtures properly, and do not damage or let others damage the home. If a tenant's substantial violation of those duties contributes substantially to a problem, the owner's duty to repair that problem does not arise. If your lease assigns changing heating and air-conditioning filters or light bulbs to you, set a calendar reminder so routine tasks do not slip.
Report problems the right way
If something breaks, tell your property manager or owner promptly, and do it in writing (email or a portal message) so there is a record. A clear, dated request with a photo helps the repair move faster and protects you if there is ever a question about when you reported it.
Your right to a habitable home
In California, the owner has a legal duty to keep the rental fit to live in. Civil Code section 1942.1 says an agreement by a tenant waiving or modifying those rights is void as to any condition that makes the home untenantable. The same section allows one exception: the owner and tenant may agree, in writing, that the tenant will improve, repair or maintain all or stipulated portions of the dwelling as part of the rent. Read that part of your lease closely, and ask questions if it is unclear.
None of this means every disagreement is a fight. Most maintenance issues are resolved quickly and cooperatively. Knowing your rights just helps you ask for the right thing, calmly, when it matters. If you rent a Croskey-managed home, our tenant resource hub has payment, application, and maintenance links in one place.
We are happy to help
Renting in East Contra Costa is easier when everyone knows the ground rules. If you rent a Croskey-managed home and have a question about your lease or a repair, reach out to our team.
Already renting with us? The living in your home guide covers lease rules and day-to-day responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need renters insurance if I rent?
The law does not require it in every case, but your lease may. The owner's policy covers the building, not your personal belongings, so ask your lease and an insurance agent.
Who is responsible for repairs in a rental?
The lease should specify. Under Civil Code section 1941.1, the owner is responsible for keeping the home from being untenantable, including working plumbing, heat and electrical, and a weatherproof structure. Under section 1941.2, tenants must keep their space clean, dispose of waste properly, use fixtures properly and not damage the home.
Can my landlord make me responsible for major repairs?
Not for conditions that make the home untenantable: Civil Code section 1942.1 makes a tenant's waiver of those rights void. The exception is a written agreement that the tenant will improve, repair or maintain all or stipulated portions of the dwelling as part of the rent.
What should I do if a repair is not fixed?
Report it in writing, keep a copy, and follow up. For serious problems that go unaddressed, you have rights, and the California Courts self-help site is a place to start.
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