How do I ask my landlord for a discount on my August rent?

Question

My lease began on July 1, and I was asked to move in on the 3rd so they could paint after the previous tenant left. I did not have a working refrigerator until July 13th. I also had two damaged windows, one of which was fixed around the 18th, and the other which is still damaged. I already paid my July rent in full but I believe I am entitled to a discount, especially because of the fridge.

Answer 1

I think you make a good point. The suite wasn't exactly in "livable" condition without a working fridge in it, plus you moved in later... that should automatically entitle you to pro rated rent for the month.

I would highlight those two factors... unless the windows left you subject to a draft or open air or something. But the first two points, any reasonable landlord would be willing to discount your second month as a result of the inconvenience and moving in late during the first month.

I'd write a letter about it to the landlord, just to document it, unless you're friendly enough to call. But if you call, I'd put the landlord's response in writing back to him/her just to confirm what they agreed to if your second month's check is for less than full rent.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You can take a direct deduction for the first 2 days of July since you were not permitted to take posession until the 3rd. Your landlord does not need to agree to this.

You should ask the landlord for a partial credit for the time it took to put the fridge in and sort out the other items. The mere lack of the fridge doesn't make the property uninhabitable. The broken windows may or may not make the property uninhabitable; at the very least they could make it less safe. Don't expect him to agree to abate all rent through the 18th, though.

Most landlords are reasonable. Just ask for something reasonable and you should get it.

Answer 3

dont listen to that other fool, it wont work. uh, the biggest prob is that you paid your july rent...but, since you probably had to pay that prior to moving in, you wouldnt have known about the defects. id write your landlord a letter saying that you were unable to enjoy your apartment for the entire month of july, which you paid full rent for. in each lease there is a implied warranty of quiet enjoyment. this means that if for some reason you cannot reasonably enjoy your apt. then you need to notify the landlord and tell them to solve the problem. i would write a letter stating that due to the problems you had in your apt. you would like to deduct a certain amount from your august rent. i mean, you didnt have a frig until the mid of the month. most landlords are reasonable, just talk to the person about it. dont even bother with court, odds are you will spend more on paper work than you will on how much you could reasonable deduct.

Answer 4

From a landlord's perspective, if a tenant approaches nearly any concern calmly and rationally, then we can almost always come to a meeting of the minds. IF, on the other hand they threaten me in any way then the conversation never gets anywhere. I'm sure you've heard the old saying you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. Very true. Treat the landlord with the respect that you would wish to have given to you. I thought that the explanation that you gave in your question was very reasonable. Good Luck!

Answer 5

What if you rented a car......took it home on 3 july....they came to your home and fixed the flat tire...on 12 july......the radio on 18 july....If you took possesion.....I believe you are entitled to a discount...try to look at it from both sides...then just outline it as you have done here.

Answer 6

Tell him all the things you just said. Any reasonable landlord will knock something off.

Answer 7

Threaten him! tell him you will take him to court if he doesn't.