If you have a specific legal concern, it's important to consult with a qualified attorney who is familiar with California landlord-tenant laws and regulations.
In California, the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants are governed by various laws and regulations, including the California Civil Code and local ordinances. Landlords are generally responsible for providing essential services, such as water, heat, and hot water, unless the lease explicitly states otherwise.
Provided that the shared laundry room with a washer/dryer has been a long-standing amenity offered to all tenants as part of their rental agreement, it could potentially be considered an essential service. Removing such an amenity could be a violation of the implied warranty of habitability, which requires landlords to maintain the rental property in a habitable condition. Taking away essential services without proper justification might lead to legal issues for the landlord.
However, there may be certain circumstances under which a landlord could remove the shared laundry room, such as if the lease explicitly states that the laundry room is not a guaranteed amenity or if the removal is necessary for essential repairs or safety reasons.
To get a more accurate understanding of the specific situation and how California laws apply, it's crucial for the affected tenants to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law in California. They can review the lease agreement, consider local regulations, and provide guidance on potential remedies or actions that tenants can take if their rights have been violated.