[ca] Can I Pursue Compensation From My Apartment Complex For Ongoing Internet Issues, Mold, And Failure To Provide Promised Services?

I’m a student renting an apartment in Los Angeles, California, and I’m looking for advice about my rights as a tenant and whether I have grounds to pursue financial compensation.
I pay a substantial amount in rent for an apartment that advertises various amenities and services. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced several ongoing issues that have significantly affected my ability to use and enjoy the apartment as expected.
1. Persistent internet problems
My apartment complex provides internet as part of its housing services, but the connection has been extremely unreliable.
At times, the internet has been so slow that basic tasks like accessing websites, attending online meetings, and submitting assignments have been nearly impossible.
I’ve repeatedly contacted the internet provider and spent hours troubleshooting, but the problems have continued without a lasting resolution.
As a college student, I depend heavily on reliable internet for academic work. These disruptions have interfered with my ability to complete assignments, access educational resources, and communicate with others, including healthcare providers.
2. Mold and maintenance concerns
I also discovered mold in an appliance when I moved into the apartment. Although management eventually addressed that particular issue, I was concerned about the condition of the unit upon move-in.
I’ve experienced additional cleanliness and maintenance concerns that have made the overall living experience frustrating.
3. Lack of resolution or compensation
I’ve made repeated efforts to resolve these issues through management and the appropriate service providers.
Despite the time I’ve spent documenting problems, contacting support, and attempting to obtain services that are supposed to be included in my housing, I haven’t received meaningful compensation.
I’m particularly frustrated because I’m paying for housing and services that haven’t consistently been provided as expected.
My questions:
Under California law, could persistent failure to provide included services constitute a breach of contract or lease agreement?
Can a tenant request reimbursement or a partial rent refund when included amenities are consistently unavailable?
Does the fact that these issues have interfered with my education and important communications affect my ability to recover damages?
Would these circumstances potentially justify pursuing a claim in small claims court?
How are damages typically calculated in cases involving unavailable amenities or services?
Would it be more effective to negotiate directly with management or consult a tenant-rights attorney first?
I have documentation of the connectivity issues, communications with support, and evidence of the maintenance problems.
I’m not necessarily looking to terminate my lease. My primary goal is to understand whether I have a legitimate basis to seek financial compensation for the services and conditions I was promised but did not consistently receive.
I understand that not every inconvenience constitutes a legal violation, and I’m trying to approach this reasonably. However, I also believe tenants should be able to expect the services they’re paying for.
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone familiar with California tenant law or who has experienced something similar.
Thank you!
Location: Los Angeles