I just moved into an apartment and noticed that the refrigerator isn't very cold. I put the setting on 9 and my milk still spoils quickly and beverages are just not cold enough. I also noticed that there is water in the crisper and all over everything in the fridge, even after I clean it up, it still appears. The other thing is that the freezer freeze's items, but the ice cube compartment won't freeze ice, the tray's remain with water in them and will only freeze if I take them out and set them on the freezer floor. My landlord came in and felt the water bottles and said they seem cold enough, but the setting is on 9 and the items are barely cold. 9 should be putting ice particles in my milk and juice, not just making them slightly cold. I feel like something is definitely wrong with the fridge. Should I be concerned and should I stress this to my landlord? I can't keep buying milk every few days!
2006-06-27 03:59:10 · 8 answers · asked by mariegeidel 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Before you spring for the repairs yourself, take a few steps to ensure you won't be paying for something for nothing. First, make sure there is no lint or dirt accumulated under or behind the fridge. Then, make a trip to the hardware store and get one of those mini thermometers. Put it in the fridge and then the freezer. The fridge should be around 40 degrees and the freezer 32 degrees or below. Leave the thermometer in the fridge and tell the landlord to take a look at the temperature readings.
If he still refuses to perform the maintenance on the fridge or replace it, write him a letter indicating that you intend to engage a repair person and will deduct the cost of those repairs from your next month's rent. Attach a copy of the repair bill to your rent check. Maintain a copy of both the letter and the bill.
If the repair man indicates the fridge cannot be repaired. Write another letter to the landlord. See if you can get the repair person to put in writing that the fridge is not able to be repaired. Keep a copy of both. Tell the landlord that he has 10 days to replace the fridge or you will.
Be careful here. You must purchase a fridge that is similar in feature and function to the one you have. You may also charge him for the removal of the old one, if you are charged for it. Generally, even slumlords won't let it get this far. Keep a copy of all receipts and correspondence. Try to record any verbal conversations, if he tries to contact you by phone.
I've been a property owner, manager and investor for most of my life and I cannot understand why so many landlords are so unwilling to provide decent customer service to their rental residents and maintain their own asset, the property!
Good luck!
2006-06-27 06:16:10 · answer #1 · answered by eskie lover 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A quick thing to check is how clean the coils are, they're located under or behind the fridge. If they're filthy and no air can circulate around them the fridge won't work.
If they're clean and it still doesn't work, it needs to be repaired or replaced.
As stated above, some states have renter protection laws. Do everything in writing and keep copies. Some places it is legal for you to notify the landlord that you are going to arrange for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent payment.
2006-06-27 12:51:34 · answer #2 · answered by Brenda 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you rent, you are not responsible for repairs. Put your request to the landlord in writing, and keep a copy for yourself. If he still refuses to do anything about it, you can with-hold rent in an escrow account until either he replaces the fridge, or you have enough in the account to buy one for your place (but you have to leave it there when you move out if you deduct it from the price of rent) and deduct it from your rent. This is legal where I live, but you should check the landlord/tenent laws in your state to be sure
2006-06-27 11:07:27 · answer #3 · answered by tatufreak1996 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to most leases, the landlord is responsible for maintainence of common household appliances, check your lease, if it is listed, then he is bound by the lease to repair or replace a malfunctioning appliance, if he does not, contact an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney most municipalities have landlord/tenant dispute offices that will assist you in resolving this issue.
2006-06-27 11:18:38 · answer #4 · answered by katpkinatu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how set are you in wanting to stay where you are? If the rent is good you may want to buy your own. Make it clear and in writing that when and if you move the fridge goes with you
2006-07-03 22:02:50 · answer #5 · answered by rlynnrussell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should either get a new one or fix the one you have if fixable that's crap tell your landlord for every gallon of milk that goes to waste you'll be taking it out of your rent along with any other expenses that come along with their crap fridge.
2006-06-27 11:03:36 · answer #6 · answered by MOVING 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YEs he should if the apartment comes with appliances, which from the sound of it it does; then it is his responsibility to purchase a new one to replace the one that isn't working.
2006-06-27 11:03:37 · answer #7 · answered by TXDUDE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them that you ain't going to pay rent till the issue is resolved
2006-06-27 11:47:37 · answer #8 · answered by rives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋