CA: Landlord Responsibility for Power Outages by Utility

[Mervin J.]

Hello folks,

With the recent spat of PG&E state-wide power outages, I was wondering if the landlord has any responsibility regarding a utility caused power outage? For example, are there any state laws that are applicable? Can the tenant ask for a rent discount, legally? Let's assume that state-wide preemptive power outages are not specified in the lease. 

[Albert Ng]

It’s a natural disaster and not the landlord’s fault. Unless you move out completely, it’s unrealistic to ask the landlord for money back on 2, 3 days of rent while your stuffs are still at the house.

@Bruce Leong In my opinion, that clause would only apply when it’s a prolonged power outage & you are forced to move out. The landlord - tenant relationship is terminated so you would need to fill out the rental application again if you want to move back in.