Can a landlord refuse to do repairs?

Question

We rent a older house from a couple. Last year we had termites and they had to spray . This year they came back. The termite company they went through had insurance if the termites did damage so they would have to pay. Now the landlords are saying that they don't have the money to repair the house and they want us to leave. Can that happen? What should we do? Serious answers only!!!!!!!

One floor is falling in and there is mold upstairs in one room.

Answer 1

In general, landlords are required to provide a safe and sanitary dwelling through the course of the lease. What you can do if they refuse is a matter that would vary from state to state, according to the local laws and the terms of the lease.

Answer 2

If you have a month-to-month rental agreement, they can give you 30 days to move out without any reason (except discrimination.)

But if you have a longer term lease and it has not expired, then they cannot force you to leave - both of you have signed a legal contract. Under normal rental contracts, they are obliged to keep the house in good repair (hospitable, free of pests, all appliances in working order, etc.)

They should pay for the termite problem. If they refuse, you can inform them in writing you will hire a termite pest company to deal with the termites and repair the damage, and you will deduct the costs from your next rent payment. You may want to discuss this with a renters advocacy board in your city. I think you have a good case.

In the long run, I'm not sure they are the kind of landlords I would want to rent from. If you are within a couple of months of the end of the lease, perhaps you can negotiate an early termination with some relocation incentives to help you move out, and them get their property back for whatever.

Answer 3

Well you need to read your rental contract first and see if they can do that. I am a landlord and I spell out everything in my rental contract which the renter has to read and sign before they move in. Also it depends on if the damage is a safety concern. If there is any possibility that it may be a safety hazard to the renter it is the owners responsibility to protect you. If the landlord deems it unsafe then he can remove you based on that fact alone.
Renters do have rights. Every state is different. Check with your local housing authority. If the damage is a cosmetic situation then the landlord will not have much chance with the housing authority. But on the other hand if he has a clause in the contract or it is a safety hazard you might want to start packing.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

Landlords can evict you for no reason. However they can not evict you for an illegal reason. If they are evicting you because you you are standing up for your tenant rights, then that is illegal in any state. There could be complications IF the repairs can not be reasonably made
while the house is occupied. I looked at your profile to help answer this question, you have kids, a husband and pets, it would be difficult for you to move. I found this not working link> http://vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers/f_landlord.html <
I'd go to http://vdacs.virginia.gov and try to find the sublinks from there or google the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Landlords have to provide a safe environment that has proper utilities, ventilation, etc. You don't say what kind of repairs you're talking about. But if it's not related to the basic requirements for a rental property, the landlord doesn't have to repair it. And if it's your personal belongings that are damaged, you're probably out of luck. This is what renter's insurance is for, because landlords often won't take responsibility for your items.

Answer 6

touch Environmental wellbeing. They manage housing standards, and can stress upkeep so as that no person else finally ends up contained in the hovel. If that's uninhabitable the boyfriend could be able to go away extraordinarily lots on the instant. How lots are those referencing costs?, and what coverage is there that the deposit would be refunded in finished. ?

Answer 7

If they ask you to leave and you paid a deposit, you better get that deposit back as well as be off the hook for the remainder of the lease. They're stealing if you don't get it.

You might want a document from them asking you to leave. That way, when you're in small claims court duking it out, you've got proof.

Answer 8

If you have the lease to the house and sign a contract to how long your staying. You had the right to stay but if is to nasty to stay. You should leave and find a new home. And if your okay in your home. They should fix it , if that was in the contract of your lease.