Cal. Civ. Code § 20.3
Responsibility of the owner
Operative Text
The owner of a tenement, lodging or boarding house or the authorized agent of the owner, shall keep the entire building in repair including the plumbing, lighting, heating and ventilating systems, and shall also keep the entire building in a cleanly condition, free from an accumulation of dirt, garbage or other refuse matter.
Under 28 Pa. Code § 20.3, the owner of a tenement, lodging, or boarding house — or their authorized agent — bears responsibility for maintaining the entire building in good repair, covering systems such as plumbing, lighting, heating, and ventilation. The rule also requires that the building be kept clean and free from accumulations of dirt, garbage, or other refuse. This obligation rests with ownership regardless of who occupies the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of tenements, lodging houses, or boarding houses subject to 28 Pa. Code § 20.3 are generally expected to conduct regular inspections and timely repairs of plumbing, lighting, heating, and ventilation systems throughout the entire building. Maintaining documented maintenance schedules and promptly addressing refuse accumulation are practices consistent with compliance under this provision. Delegating day-to-day management to an authorized agent does not transfer the underlying ownership obligation established by § 20.3.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
28 Pa. Code § 20.3 establishes that building owners — not tenants — carry the duty to keep the structure, its core systems, and common areas in repair and free of refuse. Tenants who observe deteriorating plumbing, lighting, heating, or ventilation, or unsanitary conditions, may have grounds to raise this provision when reporting concerns to local housing or health authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in Pennsylvania can help residents understand available complaint processes and how § 20.3 may be relevant to their situation.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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