air conditioner went out 3 weeks ago, getting run around from maint. people at apt., had to buy small window unit. can i withhold rent for days not working or call and have repaired and deduct what i pay from rent
2006-07-22 13:46:39 · 8 answers · asked by jean g 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It depends on what state you live in, if there are indigent adults or minor children residing in the apartment with you and what it states in the lease or rental contract that you signed. Personally I would deduct the cost of the air conditioner from my rent and attach a letter stating the reason for the deduction in the rent amount. You should contact your local housing authority and file a formal complaint... this can be done over the phone or internet in most states, that way if your land lord or apartment manager wants to dispute the costs etc... you have at least started your way up the chain of command for a law suit if necessary. Another thing that you should do is to contact the management company that owns the complex you live in... let them know what the problem is and tell them that it is totally unacceptable to have to wait 3 weeks for a repair when it is the hottest part of the summer and you have no air conditioning... it is just the cost of doing business when you are involved in rental property and they should honor the fact that when you moved in and signed a contract that it was with the intention of having all working appliances and services at all times. I wish you good luck and what ever you do don't just resign to give up... that is just what they would like for you to do. Peace.
2006-07-22 13:58:55 · answer #1 · answered by julianna76301 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states you can withhold some rent due to the loss of use of property ie a toilet not working for a month. You must put it in writing and make copies. Make sure when putting it in writing that you state in the letter "that the landlord has x amount of days to fix problen A and problem B or $___ dollars will be withheld due to loss of residence." After the week and rent is due if the problems are not fixed pay the rent minus x amount of dollars and immeadiately contact your states public housing commission or HUD. This department will investigate the landlord and issue any further notices as needed. If you go to your local social services they usually have housing pamplets for you to take which will give you more information on legal ways to persue the matter. You could also contact an attorney to help legalize anything you have.
2006-07-22 13:56:17 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either one of those may be legal, or both at your option, or at the landlord's option. It depends on the local laws. But in any case, you must notify your landlord (1) of the fact that it has not yet been fixed (even if you told him a week ago, he may assume the maintenance people have done their job), and that you intend to either withhold the rent or call an outside maintenance person and deduct from the rent. You may be surprised to find that he considers that a viable solution, especially if it is in fact a problem with his own employees that is at issue. If it is an outside contractor, he may be motivated to put pressure on them to get their butts in gear, warning them that they will not be paid unless they do it and pronto. But you must give him the chance to correct the problem so he can have his full rent. He's budgeting with that in mind, and it's only fair.
2006-07-22 13:54:32 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can not with hold rent, however it can be an option to get out of your lease early. Read the fine print. Also in a lot of states it can be a fine for the landlord for not keeping it up and running, especially this time of year. Make sure you make your demands for repair in writing and CYA.
2006-07-22 13:52:30 · answer #4 · answered by Jamie R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All depends on what state you live in. I live in NY and no for AC you can't its not "needed" to "survive" is the reason you will get. But I think in FL you can maybe Cali.
Oh as far as Aussie that is wrong in certain situations you can but you have to have the money set aside to pay the rent once the repairs are finished.
2006-07-22 13:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by Kevin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here in Utah, you can deduct what you had to pay for a repairman, Or the parts if you had to buy it and install it yourself
2006-07-22 13:59:58 · answer #6 · answered by dirtmerchant_12b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most places cities now have a "renters bill of rights". Check your city to see if they have adopted one. If so, then follow it. They will tell you your rights in your location. Good Luck
2006-07-24 02:19:28 · answer #7 · answered by marks3kids 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can not legally with hold rent
2006-07-22 13:49:36 · answer #8 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋