Final answer:
According to Civil Code Section 1942, a landlord is required to make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice from the tenant regarding dilapidations that make the premises untenantable. If the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, the tenant has two options: they can either repair and deduct the cost from their rent, or they can vacate the premises without owing any further rent. In this case, if the tenant notified the landlord of the plumbing problems and the landlord did not repair them, the tenant would likely have a valid claim against the landlord.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Civil Code Section 1942, a landlord is required to make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice from the tenant regarding dilapidations that make the premises untenantable. If the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, the tenant has two options: they can either repair and deduct the cost from their rent, or they can vacate the premises without owing any further rent. In this case, if the tenant notified the landlord of the plumbing problems and the landlord did not repair them, the tenant would likely have a valid claim against the landlord. Therefore, option D) The failure to repair the plumbing was a default on the landlord's part is the true statement.