Introduction

Habitability claims appear to becoming more and more common. Habitability is an implied warranty or contract, meaning it does not have to be an express contract, covenant, or provision of a contract. It is a common law right of a tenant or legal doctrine. And although there is no concise, statutory definition of the term, there are LOTS of regulations mandating the minimum performance requirements of residential property being rented by owners to tenants.

Pete Fowler

Pete Fowler is a construction consultant, professional cost estimator, and President of Pete Fowler Construction Services, Inc. (PFCS). Pete received a B.S. in Construction Management from CSU, Chico. He has held certifications from AAMA, ASPE, ICBO, and others. Mr. Fowler has published articles in national magazines and has been invited to speak by the most important groups in the building industry (AAMA, APRA, ASPE, ASTM, BETEC, CAI, ICC, NIBS, RCI, etc.). Pete has experience with successful expert witness testimony, including in Federal Court.

Jennifer C. Kalvestran, Esq.

Jennifer Kalvestran's practice is focused on insurance coverage analysis, bad faith, and litigation. She counsels insurers on a broad range of coverage issues falling under primary and excess policies, with a focus on long-tail liabilities and other general liability, pollution liability, and professional liability coverage matters. Jennifer also counsels and otherwise represents insurers as to the “bad faith” issues arising from these coverage disputes. She is located in the firm's Los Angeles office.