Who do i talk to about landlords that might be doing illegal things?

Question

The house might not be in liveable conditions. I cleaned the house and left it in better condition than when we moved in. The electrical wiring in the house is real bad. Landlord says, "the wires in the house are real old and we would have to tear the house apart to fix." We haven't taken pictures. They are lying about things that are wrong with the house to get more money back.

Answer 1

Touch base with a real estate attorney. Often just asking the landlord to forward any further correspondance to this lawyer will satisfy their curiosity on whether or not you mean business.

Answer 2

If I'm reading this correctly, they are witholding a portion of your security deposit upon termination of your residency. The landlord must present you with receipts for the repairs that were made as a result of your residency. Unfortunately, they cannot charge you for items that are necessary for habitation, wiring being one of those items. I would contact your local bar association and ask for a referral to an attorney specializing in real estate who offers a free first initial consultation. You may also consider contacting the code enforcement department in your city and lodge a complaint. If the wiring is not up to code, is dangerous or any kind of safety hazard they will site the landlord.

Answer 3

There are basic Landlord laws that requires them to keep the premises safe and up to code.

1) substantially comply with the requirements of the applicable minimum housing codes materially affecting health and safety;
2) make repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a safe condition as provided by applicable law and rules and regulations;
3) keep common areas of the premises in safe condition;

Take pictures of the damages or unsafe conditions and put in writing (by mailing) the repairs that need to be addressed by the landlord. If the landlord brushes you off then take this evidence along with your rental contract/lease to an attorney and procede with civil action.

The key here is to notify the landlord of the unsafe condition and have him fail to repair those unsafe conditions. With every contract a duty is owed and a breach of the duty allows you to get out of the contract. The worse thing is you can get out of your contract and the landlord will have to bring the premises up to code before renting again but that leaves you with looking for another place.
Work with the landlord and appeal to his/her compasionate side and set time limits of when things need to be repaired. Then as last recourse you can procede with the legal action.

From an insurance adjuster and former renter with the same situation.

Answer 4

Without documentation of what is wrong with the house, there is no one you can report to. I suggest you take photos and get an engineer's report on the house. Then, take that to a lawyer. Also, take it to your local housing authority or Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Answer 5

If you drop a dime on him with the board of health or the building department, they might condem the building and you will need to find another place to live.

If the matters aren't deal breakers, and relate to health or safety you can send him a letter and withhold rent.

Answer 6

Contact your local rent control board and tell them everything and provide any written details from the landlord.

Good luck

Answer 7

a lawyer, the legal aid society, or you can research the law and your own and then go to small claims court in your city.

Answer 8

They can not sue you for normal wear and tear.