Our landlord keeps the water heater set so low that the water is never more than lukewarm. Aren't landlords required to provide "hot water" to their tenants?

Yes, landlords are required to provide hot and cold running water to their tenants. The Berkeley Housing Code defines "hot water" as water, supplied to plumbing fixtures, at not less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to have your water temperature tested, you may contact the Code Enforcement Unit of the Berkeley Housing Department at (510) 981-7368 to request an inspection. If the inspector determines that the hot water temperature is substandard, your landlord will be ordered adjust the water heater and you may file a Rent Board petition for a rent reduction for the period when the water temperature was below 110 degrees.  more