Stuck in this house until lease ends?!?

We're renting a house in california. We've been here for a miserable 1 & 1/2 yrs. We signed a 3 yr lease because we were told this house was easily repairable & a great deal for the area. As first time renters we were too quick to believe this (our own fault & a big lesson learned). On our rental agreement it says we accept the house "as-is". For 3 mths we paid half rent (full rent is $500) as agreed to cover costs to fix the ceiling in one bedroom(needed to be totally replaced), paint all the rooms, new carpet/flooring in 4 rooms, and buy a fridge .After all was said & done it came out costing much more than the $750. We've had electric problems (Heck, the bathroom & dining room don't even have outlets), plumbing problems, foundation problems, etc. We've tried fixing it ourselves to no avail, these problems call for expertise we don't possess nor can afford. Now, since the lease states we accept it "as-is", our landlord refuses to pay for anything. Am I stuck in this house for another 1 &1/2 yrs? Is there anything I can do or am I SOL?! I have 2 young children & I'm honestly afraid for their safety in this house.
Thank you for any help/info!

2010-08-12T17:00:18Z

iffy- very true. And I would rather that be case! It's just from my understanding (which very well may be wrong, hence my asking) is that there are some responsibilities a landlord can't shirk due to as-is being on the lease. I mean, if that's just how it is (that it's perfectly legally) then I'll do my best to smile through the rest of my lease. That or I'll get the house condemned ;P Which brings me to another question, what DOES make a house condemnable in CA? Anyone know?

Genuine Guidance2010-08-12T22:49:03Z

Call the local building or code enforcement in your city. They will come out and slap a citation for all the violations this dump has. The landlord will be forced to fix things or face being fined.

Just know, this could lead to you being forced out if the house is condemned. You also have to know that it could cause you issues with Child Protective Services if this place is dangerous and your kids could get hurt. LOL

LILL2010-08-12T17:20:08Z

"Unlivable" means that the home possess many serious safety and health issues. You can't get the house condemned on your own...only your local building department has that authority. If you do plan to go that route, and the home is actually condemned....be prepared to move within 24 hours.

BTW...Next time NEVER EVER EVER sign a lease that states "as is".

?2010-08-12T16:47:32Z

The lease is a legal binding contract. Had you enjoyed living there and the landlord decided to raise your rent an extra 200 a month you would be screaming at the top of your lung. "I have a Lease"