California Commercial Maintenance Obligations: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

In California commercial leases, there is no implied warranty of habitability. Unlike residential tenancies, where the landlord must maintain the premises in habitable condition, commercial maintenance obligations are entirely governed by the lease agreement. However, certain building code requirements and California-specific considerations create obligations that landlords cannot fully disclaim.

"As Is" Default

Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under the official California Civil Code - Landlord ObligationsPreview unavailable. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to this state code.

Under California law, if the lease does not specify otherwise, the commercial tenant is presumed to have accepted the premises "as is" and assumes responsibility for maintenance. This makes explicit lease language on maintenance allocation critically important.

Maintenance by Lease Type

Landlord Obligations That Cannot Be Disclaimed

Even in the most tenant-favorable NNN lease, California law imposes certain non-waivable obligations:

Building Code Compliance

Landlords cannot contract out of responsibility for building code violations that affect safety. If a government authority orders corrective action for code violations (fire hazards, electrical deficiencies, structural defects), the landlord bears responsibility unless the violation was caused by the tenant's specific use or modifications.

ADA Compliance The

ADA requires that commercial properties open to the public be accessible. The lease should allocate responsibility, but the landlord retains underlying liability as the property owner. Common approaches:

• Landlord handles common areas - lobbies, elevators, parking, restrooms.
• Tenant handles their leased space - ensuring accessibility for their customers and employees.

Seismic Retrofit

California requires certain older buildings (particularly unreinforced masonry buildings pre-dating 1978) to undergo seismic retrofitting. The cost allocation should be addressed in the lease. If not:

• Local ordinances typically place the obligation on the building owner.
• Landlords may attempt to pass costs through as capital improvement amortization in NNN leases.

Fire and Life Safety

The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and other life safety equipment in common areas and the building shell.

Typical Tenant Maintenance Obligations

Interior Maintenance

• Keeping the premises clean and in compliance with health regulations.
• Interior painting, flooring, and fixture maintenance.
• Plumbing and electrical repairs within the demised premises.

HVAC Maintenance

NNN leases almost always require tenants to maintain a preventive maintenance contract with a licensed HVAC contractor. Many leases require proof of this contract upon execution.

Trade Fixtures

Tenants are responsible for maintaining all equipment they install (commercial ovens, coolers, manufacturing equipment, racking, etc.).

CAM Charges and Reconciliation

In NNN and modified gross leases, the landlord maintains common areas and passes costs through as CAM charges. The lease should specify:

• What expenses are included in CAM.
• Whether there is a CAM cap.
• The reconciliation process (typically annual).
• Audit rights for the tenant.

SB 1103 restricts how CAM and operating cost charges can be allocated to QCTs - costs must be proportionate and documented.

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