where do I go to find out the laws on apartment landlords for replacing carpets and repairs.?

Question

The apartments we live in are failing to replace carpets as needed. They are nasty and who knows what is in them. We live in Ozark, Mo

Answer 1

Go to your local law library. It is located in the county courthouse! There will be all kinds of books there with laws and statutes!

Answer 2

Housing Authority 421 W. Madison 866-4329

Information pieces available from the Public Information Office
Please call 864-1010 to obtain a copy of any of the following:

"Missouri's Landlord-Tenant Law" - Questions and answers about leases, security deposits, repairs, and eviction. (Note: The City does not legislate landlord-tenant law).

Read your lease regarding Maintenance of property/unit. Some landlords put all the burden on tenants to repair, maintain residence and property while others state what they are responsible for.

Determine how old the carpets are by learning how old the unit itself is and speaking with other renters if applicable to learn whether or not their units have ever had carpets changed. If other units are in the same condition or worse, safe bet they've never been changed. Rule of thumb is that a carpet will, under normal wear and tear last for 10 years and should be replaced at that time irregardless of what condition it is in. Should the carpet have been in poor condition when you moved in it should have been changed then. If it was not yet worn enough at time of moving in but was near its removal period, 5 years from date of first entering into lease is usual guideline. Rules and regulations may differ in your area. Please check with authorities to ensure you are within your rights.

Your landlord has the responsibility to ensure that your unit is in liveable condition and free from health threats. An old carpet that has seen many tenants is such a risk particularly if over the 10 year mark. If it is unable to be brought back to good condition despite quality shampooing, you have tried everything possible then and there should be no question about replacement.

This info is based on my own experience therefore check with the above offices for definitive answers. Note that ALL complaints must be in writing, retaining a copy for your records and forwarding either BY HAND or Registered mail if you have continued to receive no answers. Also, if after a written complaint no action is yet taken, send an additional complaint letter as followup citing the date of the previous complaint and when it was delivered, and forward a copy of this document to the Landlord and the Housing Authority in your area. Document EVERYTHING, so that there is no question of what was said by you. Keep everything professional, unbiased and unpersonal (no emotional outbursts) just the facts. By adding a level of professionalism that sticks to problem at hand, your Landlord may be less likely to think you don't know what you are talking about. Research and document....your landlord will soon get the idea that you know what is required according to the Landlord Tenant Act in your area. Be certain to quote those areas of the Act that pertain to this issue and put it in bold italics to ensure the landlord notices the info...knowledge is power and it can allow you to psych out your apponent enough that they prefer to deal with your problem than have you create a problem for them.

Answer 3

Your first "must" is to write to the management with full descriptions, dates of even oral comlaints, copies of any and all coorespondence that may have taken place.
State a time for reply, 10 days, more, up to you.
Mail it registered with return receipt request.

After that, if necessaary, you contact the Apartment Association in your city, in the same manner. This should generate some action. In doing this, you may have legal reason to withold further rental payments until the problems are alleviated.
Before witholding rent, obtain legal advice.
I am not an attorney. Just witness to the same.

Answer 4

right that's the priority. They charged for the carpet alternative from the previous tenant. except that carpet became replaced they could't cost the previous tenant. reason the owner needs it executed promptly because i`m making a raffle the tenant is calling for recites of the carpet alternative. If the owner can no longer replace the carpet now they are going to be on the hook for the total safe practices deposit. so that you should be doing the owner a actual large favor by employing having it executed. purely ask them for a hand i`m making a raffle they could be prepared. best of success

Answer 5

First place to look is in your lease. I have never seen a lease that requires landlords to put in/replace carpeting. If anything, I have seen leases that require tenants to put in and maintain carpeting.

Laws are generally about heat and water...Everything else is negotiable.

Answer 6

Try moving....instead of being a pain in the azz.

Answer 7

i love laws

Answer 8

first thing you should do is read your lease contract

Answer 9

fair housing act .. look it up

Answer 10

library will tell you.