What to do if a landlord will not give me a key and the unit is inhabitable?

What to do if a landlord will not give me a key and the unit is inhabitable?

About 3 days ago I paid a landlord a deposit and first month rent to move into a unit. It’s been 3 days and he has not given me keys nor has he returned my phone calls, text messages, or emails. Furthermore after visiting the unit (it is left unlocked) the unit is infested with cockroaches, a window will not close, the floors are partially done, there isn’t heat in the unit, the refrigerator doesn’t work and I think the cockroaches are coming from it, I was electrocuted by live wires sticking out of the wall, and the shower/bath doesn’t have water.

Asked on March 13, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

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