I am having a SERIOUS problom with my landlord. We have a vermin problom in the house, and I believe it to be because we have no screens up on the windows. I have researched the Warranty of habitability codes and have not found enough evidence to prove that this is in fact his responsibility....anyone??
2006-07-25 12:51:28 · 10 answers · asked by *Star*Lit 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
should be ..
2006-07-25 12:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The issue is not the screens. It is the vermin.
Your landlord probably has no responsibility to provide screens, but in most states he/she does have a responsibility to get rid of the vermin.
In most states, there is an implied warranty of habitability, enforced by common law regardless of whether any state statute or municipal code states it explicitly. If courts in your state follow this doctrine, then the landlord must get rid of serious pest problems, or you can sue him. Alternately, if your state is like this, you can fix the problem yourself and deduct the price from your rent, and legally he cannot evict you for nonpayment of this portion of the rent. Additionally, even after the problem is fixed, the landlord is for any damage that the vermin has caused to your belongings or your health.
Before the landlord is liable, he must have proper notice. I would write a letter to him, informing him that the house is not habitable because of a vermin problem, informing him that the house is not habitable because of the vermin problem, and nicely requesting that he remedy the problem. I don't think it's a good idea to mention any legal remedies or to threaten him at this time, but if he has been in the business for a while he will recognize that he is getting a notice of breach of warranty of habitability, and act quickly to fix it.
2006-07-25 14:11:20 · answer #2 · answered by dan7000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your city codes for rental units. I know here in my town that i do not. I only need to make sure that the window is not broken and works properly. And if there is vermin, I must take some action to try and prevent them.
Your city may have certain rules/ordinances. check with your city hall or courthouse for a handbook on landlord-tenant laws.
Try asking the landlord if you can go out and buy some screens at a reasonable cost, and deduct it from the rent. (receipts of course) or give him an estimate of cost and where he can obtain them. and tell him if you deduct the cost from the rent that you will leave the screens there when you move.
He is much more likely to go along with it, if you do all the work.
Unless he is a total jerk.
2006-07-25 13:09:27 · answer #3 · answered by jy9900 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't see anything stated in local laws, look into your lease. If it makes any mention of screens (even in a statement like "fixtures shall not be tampered with or replaced") its implied that screens are provided in the unit. Also, do a written complaint and suggest that screens would remedy your problem. He's obligated to make the place habitable for you.
2006-07-25 13:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on your state that you live in but most times no screens do not have to be provided by the landlord for the main reason is that windows are not sold with the screens you have to buy them seperate as a option
2006-07-25 12:55:11 · answer #5 · answered by wnruger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Window screens or screen doors are not the responsibility of the property owner. If added later by the tenant, their upkeep are their responsibility. However, if/when the tenant decides to vacate, he or she may be required to leave them behind, as they are an attached "fixture". I recommend you check with your local Landlord/Tenant Act for verification of the latter.
2006-07-25 13:05:13 · answer #6 · answered by DocoMyster 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that depends, we live in a renovated older building. the back part of the unit has screens on the windows while the front part does not. we were told that to put screens on the front part of the building would destroy the historical value of the property. sometimes though, instead of waiting for someone else to step up and do what needs to be done, you have to do it yourself. just be sure if you do put screens in, you take them back out when you move out
2006-07-25 13:05:31 · answer #7 · answered by baybeegrl5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what state (or country) you live in. Go to your state's website, and search on the site for tenant's rights. You'l find out all kinds of stuff that your landlord has to do that he doesn't, I'll bet!
2006-07-25 12:57:13 · answer #8 · answered by cay_damay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe in Texas the answer would be yes. They do have to try to solve any and all problems which would make the home inhabitable. An insect problem would definately be such a problem.
2006-07-25 12:56:55 · answer #9 · answered by Crossroads Keeper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you pay for utilities separately or are they included in your rent??.....if they're included in your rent, and the lease doesn't forbid them, I'd keep the windows closed and put an air conditioner in each window....
see how fast you get screens then......
2006-07-25 12:56:33 · answer #10 · answered by Campbell Gramma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋