How would you get your landlord to fix the electrical in your apt, if she has not reponded in 2 months?

Question

I have been living in this apartment since may, and it is now almost August. There isn't a single electrical outlet that doesnt need fixing, and most of them are so loose the plugs won't stay in. I have never rented before, and I think safety wise this is not acceptable. Is it cheaper for me to fix this myself? I wonder if she would reimburse me if I got my own electrician. I live in Chicago, any one want to help?

Answer 1

I used to be a landlord, and this sort of stuff makes me want to explode!

If the property is otherwise sound, they won't evict you, but you do need to report it. Slumlords make me angry.

At any rate, you need to document it. Please keep in mind that for it to be legally binding, EVERYTHING IN REAL ESTATE HAS TO BE IN WRITING. Take pictures, write it up, and make him sign a paper saying it was like that when you moved in, and give a time when he will fix it. Document when he says it will be fixed, and have him sign that too. Otherwise, he may try to keep your deposit when you leave and say you did it. If he won't sign it, send him a CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT letter with copies of the pictures attached, and give reference in the letter to the conversation where you asked him to sign the paper. Enclose a copy of the statement you tried to get him to sign. Tell him in the letter that if it isn't fixed by a certain date (you name the date..probably 7-10 days from the date of the letter), you will report him to the inspector. KEEP A COPY OF THE LETTER, AND THE CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT. Have as many people (witnesses) as you can write up statements that it was like that on the day you moved in and have them notarized (you can do this free at your bank). If it comes down to eviction, you will have proof that the place was dangerous, that you tried to resolve it with him, and you will be able to have him pay your moving expenses and any time lost from work for moving.

Keep all this documentation in a place other than your apartment. Remember, he has access to your apartment, and I've seen instances where slumlords went into apartments and stole things.

Answer 2

you could call the city and tell them of the conditions and they will bring a code inspector around to see if it's safe or not. If it isn't you may be evicted because it's unsafe and they will make the landlord fix it or condemn the property.
btw, if it is just the outlets you can get them at walmart or home depot for a buck each and replace them yourself. It doesn't involve any major wire work, just make sure you shut the breakers off before getting into it. All you should need for tools is a screw driver, maybe electrical tape and the outlets. Just make sure you pay attention to the way the wires are hooked up and do it the same way with the new outlets, easy. I've done my own and not had any problems and i'm not an electrician and a chick.

Answer 3

First off, your request is not out of line.

Second, if you hire an electrician to do the work, I feel certain that you will not be reimbursed.

Finally, find the housing authority in your area. They will be able to provide you with the proper information and steps that you need to follow, in your area.

I know that this is frustrating, but if you do not follow the proper procedure, you may not get anything done. I have seen landlords that are not very caring for there tenants. As a Handyman I have told landlords that there are several things that need to fixed and I haven't always been able to make them care.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

I would send her a certified letter asking her to fix the electrical issues. That gives you a receipt that you have asked the proper way. If she does not respond in a reasonable time, send her another certified letter telling her that you are going to have it fixed yourself and deducted from the rent. She can always kick you out but you'll have those letters as proof. There might be a landlord/tenant council in town. Look in the phone book under the government section and they can give you more help because laws are different in most states. Good luck.

Answer 5

well, the way i understand it, the landlord is responsible for any repairs that are deemed necessary by the renter. and especially in they are in violation of health ordinance or safety as you mentioned. I would consult your lease and see what it says about repairs and who is responsible. that is in writing and undeniable. 2 months is way too long to go without an adequate response. leave her another message stating you would like her to inspect the outlets, and that you think they pose a safety hazard. if she still ignores you, i would go to your local chamber of commerce or city hall and report her negligence. your probably not the only person shes doing this with and your not only helping out you but everyone else shes neglecting.

Answer 6

You need to contact code enforcement through your city. There are laws that say that land lords must take care of the upkeep of the apartments...if there are codes being broken, such as the loose electrical wires and such, than code enforcement will step in and get your land lord to do what they are supposed to. You also may want to look up the laws on "Renter Rights" for your city, they are different everywhere, but it will give you a better idea of what you are entitled to as a renter. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Check your lease and see if you can deduct the repair from your rent. It is the landlords responsibility to keep the place up. your only other option is to hold back on paying the rent till repairs are done.

Answer 8

In Canada we have the Landlords Tennant Act.

Answer 9

If ur daughter is superb, she is'nt showing any signs and indicators of being ill or no longer feeling properly then u ought to no longer b demanding. i under no circumstances heard everyone catching the an infection merely with suggestions from the undesirable smell. And who ever instructed u, that u ought to conceal the toddler from head to toe only for retaining her from germs/infections, is easily incorrect. you need to gown ur toddler in accordance to the elements and that is it. I cant imagine masking my toddler throughout in 40 stages warmth.

Answer 10

hey ask ur landlord to repair or change the electrical fixtures or elz if she doesnt respond u go and report in police she will get a lesson and do ur job