Window screens are a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution to California's Civil Code, which requires 'weather protection' and a 'pest-free environment'. Get your property's window screens renewed, replaced, or repaired today! Click to Contact Total Screen for a free on-property estimate.
California's Guidelines for Screens
In California, there isn’t a specific law that says, “Every home must have window screens”, although there is a California Civil Code that outlines habitation standards.
California’s Civil Code Section 1941.1 specifies that each dwelling must remain fit for the occupant, by offering protection from weather and pests.
To meet California's guideline, many rental properties rely on window screens, which are low-cost and long-lasting.
Window Screens for California Homes
A window screen is ideal for keeping insects outside, while still allowing fresh-air into the home, and some window screens even prevent artificial-turf from melting.
If your property already has window screens, a window-screen remesh is an ideal solution, since resmeshing a window screen is generally cheaper than getting brand-new window screens.
Remeshing extends a screen's durability, while also extending the screen's useful lifespan by up to ten years, or more.
Do you have a property that needs window screens installed or repaired? Click here to Contact Total Screen for a free estimate.
Do Landlords Provide Window Screens?
We've established that California landlords are obligated to provide a habitable living space, but the exact method that a landlord uses is up to them.
Some city or county ordinances clarify these rules further, so it’s always worth a quick check of your local regulations.
As we established earlier, many landlords and property owners choose window screens because they're cost-effective, tenant-friendly, and improve home airflow.
Ultimately, a landlord’s duty is to ensure tenant safety, protect against pests, and keep the property in top shape— and window screens check every box.
Why Replace Window Screens?
In Southern California, new homes have windows with fiberglass-mesh window screens, but these factory-installed window screens generally only last for a few years.
When window screens are exposed to elements like UV exposure, sea air, and winds, the screen's fiberglass mesh wears down and becomes brittle.
A torn window screen can let mosquitos and other bugs inside; window-screen replacement is a great way to prevent bugs from taking over the home.
And if your property has rooms that get too hot from direct sunlight exposure, special Solar Window Screens can be installed, blocking up to 95% of UV rays, which keeps the home cooler & more energy-efficient.
A significantly-cooler room results from 80% Solar Screens.
How Much Do Screens Cost?
If your property has existing window screens that are worn out, replacing the window-screen mesh is a budget-friendly option.
Total Screen can re-mesh window-screens on property, same-day, instantly providing better airflow & improved comfort to the home's inhabitants.
Window screens can actually save money, over time, since window screens let in the breezes naturally, reducing the need for air-conditioner usage in Summer.
The cost of the window screens varies based on window size, and type of work to be done; you can Contact Total Screen today to schedule your free on-site estimate.
Summing Up
Here's what we've covered so far, relative Southern California's civic codes for landlords and property owners:
• California code mandates that properties 'weather-protected' & 'pest-free'.
• It's the landlord's responsibility to maintain a secure, habitable environment.
• Window screens are a cost-effective way to stay compliant with CA code.
• It's the landlord's responsibility to maintain a secure, habitable environment.
• For brand-new homes, replace the window screens within 2 years
Total Screen has more than 25 years of experience providing window screen replacement and solar window screens across Southern California.
If you have a property with window screens that need an update, our Total Screen team is here to help you find the best-fit solution for your windows and doors.
Click here to contact us, and we'll show you how seamless it can be to upgrade your window and door screens for a healthier, more comfortable living space.
Contact Total Screen Today
Contact Total Screen at 1-619-871-7610 for a free consultation, or fill out our two-sentence questionnaire below.
We look forward to helping you enjoy all that SoCal sunshine—minus the bugs!