California · Health and Safety Code - HSC

HSC §17995.4: Any person found in contempt of a court order or injunction pursuant to the provisions of this part for a second or subsequent time within a five-year period for violations at the same property where

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person convicted of contempt for a second or subsequent violation of a court order within five years at the same property, involving extensive health/safety violations due to habitual neglect, may be fined up to $5,000 and imprisoned 6 months to 1 year.

Read the full statutory text
Any person found in contempt of a court order or injunction pursuant to the provisions of this part for a second or subsequent time within a five-year period for violations at the same property where such violations are determined by the trier of fact to be so extensive and of such a nature that the immediate health and safety of residents or the public is endangered and where the extent and nature of the violations are due to the defendant’s habitual neglect of customary maintenance and display a flagrant lack of concern for the health and safety of residents and the public, shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) and by imprisonment of not less than six months but not exceeding one year, provided also that the trier of fact finds at least four serious violations of the following categories of violations are involved: (a) Termination, extended interruption or serious defects of gas, water or electric utility systems provided such interruptions or termination is not caused by the tenant’s failure to pay such gas, water or electric bills. (b) Serious defects or lack of adequate space and water heating. (c) Serious rodent, vermin or insect infestation. (d) Severe deterioration, rendering significant portions of the structure unsafe or unsanitary. (e) Inadequate numbers of garbage receptacles or service. (f) Unsanitary conditions affecting a significant portion of the structure as a result of faulty plumbing or sewage disposal. (g) Inoperable hallway lighting.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.