Cal. Civ. Code § 16-41-20-12
Costs and expenses
Operative Text
Sec. 12. A person who: (1) violates this chapter; or (2) fails to comply with an order of: (A) the state department or the state department's authorized agents; (B) a local board of health; or (C) a county health officer; is liable for all costs and expenses paid or incurred by the state department, a local board of health or the local board of health's authorized agents, or a local health officer in executing the order. This amount may be recovered in a civil action brought by the state department, the local board of health or the local board of health's authorized agents, or the county health officer, who is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees.
Indiana Code § 16-41-20-12 establishes financial liability for anyone who violates the lead-hazard control chapter or fails to follow an order issued by the state health department, a local board of health, or a county health officer. When a violation or non-compliance occurs, the responsible party becomes liable for all costs and expenses that the relevant health authority incurred while carrying out its remediation or enforcement order. Those costs, along with reasonable attorney's fees, can be recovered through a civil lawsuit filed by the state department, local board of health, or county health officer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Indiana Code § 16-41-20-12 should be aware that non-compliance with health department orders related to this chapter can result in significant financial exposure beyond any initial penalties. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to orders from the state department, local boards of health, and county health officers, avoiding the accumulation of enforcement costs that can later be recovered against them in civil court. Keeping thorough records of remediation efforts and correspondence with health authorities is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating good-faith compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Indiana Code § 16-41-20-12 provides a mechanism through which health authorities—not tenants directly—can pursue cost recovery against landlords or other parties who violate lead-hazard control requirements or ignore official orders. Tenants who believe a landlord has failed to comply with a health department order may consider reporting the situation to the local board of health or county health officer, who have the authority to act and seek cost recovery. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help residents understand how this provision interacts with other remedies that may be available under Indiana law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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