Is there a law that binds my landlord to repair things that he has already stated he would?

Question

I have 5 problems with my apartment. My landlord and i have discussed these matters and he has promised to fix them; 3 months later...no results. are there any laws that require him to follow through on his word? as of now, there is: 1. a wasp nest on my back porch 2. no light in my very dark hallway 3. a faulty smoke detector right outside of my front door 4. graffiti on my building 5. no mechanical device on the gate that leads to my yard and back entrance. Keep in mind that he has told me on numerous occasions that he would fix these things, but he has done nothing and my patience is wearing thin. my safety is at stake here (vandals only got into my yard because there is no lock on my gate). if you don't know of any laws that protect renters, what would you do to persuade your landlord to take action? only serious responses, please.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear that he is neglecting such small items, none sound to be that expensive to repair. Is he a leasing agent or the owner? If he is just the leasing agent try to find out the owners name and go above his head. You may have to take care of the minor things yourself if you are satisfied with where you live ie the wasp nest, or replace the bulb in your hallway. The smoke detctor is a fire department issue. If he has no on site maintenance staff it's a tough deal to get repairs made. Keep after him on a regular basis,until things get fixed or call your local housing authority. If other tenants have similar problems in getting repairs made form a group association and everyone nail him at the same time.

Answer 2

Probably every state has laws that landlords keep in good repair at least a minimum number of things related to safe, comfortable living, such as toilets and other plumbing, heating and maitaining a roof over your head. I would bet that your smoke detector problem is also one of these.

These kinds of repairs need to be made, whether or not he has made any promises. You will probably have to do some research locally to see if the other items mentioned are also required repairs.

If not, it may not matter what your landlord told you he would do, unless you got those promises in writing, as part of your written lease agreement. (PLEASE tell me you have a written lease agreement.) Any promises he made orally are going to be hard to prove in court. I mention court, because you may have to take him to court to make him do anything more than the local laws require. Even if you did get his promises in writing, you may still have to take him to court.

In your town, there should be some kind of local rental board, or housing agency that regulates such things. Perhaps it is a code enforcement department. Contact them. I'm sure they will be very interested in hearing about, at least, the smoke detector.

Answer 3

In most municipalities, yes, there are things that require him to fix these things - particularly the smoke detector - a quick call to the fire department could fix that.

Nolo Press has some very good books regarding Tenant and Landlord law - I highly recommend owning one of these books if you are a renter, as they have some very good advice and resources that can help you with questions like these.

Answer 4

Depending on your state and city laws you could check. I would see if there is a local t.v. station that would be interested in why this would not be repaired. I have worked as a maintenance super and I can tell you all are saftey issues except for the graffiti. The last thing a rental property needs is bad publicity. or you can contact your local newspaper and ask them if they would be interested in doing a article about this. I bet that will get the ball rolling!!!! Hope this helps.

Answer 5

in case you signed that lease, accepting accountability for those upkeep, then you certainly pay for such upkeep. And sure, that's criminal on the element of the owner. State regulation won't over journey the settlement which you signed. stick to UP: Ask Cho Duffield to signify you in court, and enable something human beings comprehend whilst the court date is scheduled. i'd decide to work out Cho's demeanor whilst the decide tosses out the lawsuit.

Answer 6

Dear Roxy,

Much depends on the laws of your state. If you'd like, send a message over giving me your state and I'll find you a Tenant Assistance website or something to help you proceed.

-j.

Answer 7

Only if you got it in writing other than that it won't get fixed it should be stated in the lease before you sign and move in or you just agreed to rent as is.