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What are my options when dealing with an irresponsible landlord/homeowner?

I have called and e-mailed the owners/landlord of the apartment complex that I live in about the laundry list of things that need to be repaired in my apartment and they have not responded or come over to fix anything.The only time they really even acknowledge me is when it is time for rent to be paid. Can I withhold rent until things are repaired? or hire a repair man and deduct the cost from rent? I moved in about 2 months ago and I regret signing the lease every time i come home... help!

Public Comments

  1. put everything in black and white,maybe you can have a contract. http://www.urbanedgehomes.com.au/
  2. No, you cannot with hold rents, nor can you hire someone of your choice to fix what you want fixed. If you do so, you face a legal eviction process, and your credit will be seriously damaged.
  3. First all request for repairs must be sent in Writing not a phone call or email Second it is illegal to withhold rent for any purpose You need to sue in court and let the judge order the repairs and put rent into escrow. That is why you need to have Mailed your request for repairs. You withhold rent or pay for repairs you will be sued, evicted and credit destroyed
  4. It all depends on what you are talking about. You can't withhold rent. You can hire if there is literally NO water at all, NO hot water at all, or NO heat at all. I recommend you have the health department inspect and verify your claims, and allow them time to talk to the landlord before you do anything. All other repairs will have to wait for the landlord, many do not have to be addressed at all.
  5. You can't withhold rent without going through the courts where you would pay your rent and it would be held in escrow. Same goes for repairs. If the repairs needed are a health hazard you can report it to code enforcement. After an inspection the landlord will be given time to make the repairs before being inspected again. Keep in mind that landlords don't like it when you do that and he may evict you
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