By SAJE Staff

September 10, 2026

In June, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an El Niño Advisory, cautioning warmer-than-average Pacific ocean temperatures may bring heavy rains to Southern California beginning in fall and lasting through spring 2027. Since then, warnings have only increased, with climate scientists predicting this year’s “super” El Niño may be one of the strongest on record.

Here are some things you can do to keep your home and household safe.

Fix Problems Before They Get Worse

You have the right to a safe and habitable home in every kind of weather. Now is the time to tell your landlord in writing to make these repairs before the rains come:

• Broken, rotted, split, or buckled exterior wall coverings or roof coverings
• Broken windows or doors
• Deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, foundations, or floors
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Broken, clogged, or leaky plumbing
• Mold
• Clogged gutters or vents

If Your Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs

Use our LA Tenant Action Center tool to send a certified copy of the Notice to Repair letter to your landlord for free. Your landlord has seven (7) days to reply in writing to your request. After that, you can make a complaint to your local housing authority. 

Remember: It’s against the law for your landlord to harass you for asking for repairs. Harassment includes verbal and physical threats and assault, neglecting repairs, refusing to accept rent, threatening to disclose your immigration or citizenship status, and serving an eviction notice based on false reasons. If you live in the City of L.A. and need help fighting harassment, reach out to the TAHO (Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance) Program. 

What to Do If Your Home Floods

If heavy rain causes flooding, water damage, mold, plumbing, or electrical problems, your landlord is legally required to fix these problems immediately. 

• Stay Safe: Never enter a flooded room if water is touching electrical fixtures, outlets, or appliances.
• Document the Damage: Take videos and photos of flooded areas, sources of leaks, and damaged personal items 
• Notify Your Landlord about Damage and Repairs in Writing: Text or email your list of repairs so that you have documentation of your request. 
• Track Expenses: Save receipts for out-of-pocket expenses such as hotel stays or cleaning supplies.

RESOURCES 

NotifyLA

The City of Los Angeles uses NotifyLA to send emergency alerts via phone, email, or text. Subscribe to stay informed about emergencies in your neighborhood, at schools or businesses, and other locations important to you by signing up at https://emergency.lacity.gov/notifyla.

National Flood Insurance Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a National Flood Insurance Program to participating communities across the US. Visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/ to learn more.

Esperanza Community Housing

www.esperanzacommunityhousing.org

Provides information on mold prevention and mitigation.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OF LA

Los Angeles Housing Department

(866) 557-7368 or housing.lacity.org

Renters who live in the City of L.A. can report landlord harassment and health and safety violations here.

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

(213) 473-3231 or ladbs.org

Renters who live in the City of L.A. can report building code violations here.

TAHO (Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance) Program

Renters who live in the City of L.A. can visit https://lataho.org/ to learn how to fight back against landlord harassment. 

IF YOU LIVE IN UNINCORPORATED LA COUNTY

Department of Consumer and Business Affairs

(800) 593-8222 or dcba.lacounty.gov

Renters who live in unincorporated L.A. County can report landlord harassment here. 

Department of Public Health

(888) 700-9995 or publichealth.lacounty.gov

Renters who live in unincorporated L.A. County can report health and safety violations here.