The water heater broke. The apartment flooded. The landlord was notified within 12hrs of noticed damage. The repairs have not been made. There are now electrical and mold damages. What should be done?
2006-10-10 07:29:31 · 10 answers · asked by Win 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
You can't just withhold rent - you should go down to your city hall and file a tenant's dispute (or whatever it's called in your city). They should have an escrow account for you to deposit your monthly rent into and when the case is resolved, any amount due the landlord would be paid to him and any amount due to you would come out of it.
Definitely take pictures of everything. Send a certified letter to him detailing the timeline (We called you at 11:34 p.m. on October 1 to let you know about the water heater. As of today, nothing has been done. The damage is XYZ).
You won't be able to collect for mold on anything that's yours, because a reasonable person would have moved any items in the way of the water (and also turned off the water supply to the water heater). If it's just mold on the carpet and his property, then he'll of course have to take care of that.
Good luck.
2006-10-10 07:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by tagi_65 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot withhold rent. It needs to be put into an account. The landlord is responsible for fixing the hot water heater and the damage. If the landlord is not the owner then the owner is responsible. You can take the owner and landlord to small claims court or what is called renters court before a magistrate. You also need to keep written documention of everything.
2006-10-10 15:03:33 · answer #2 · answered by firewomen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to document everything such as phone calls, take pictures, etc. Don't stop paying your rent, because that will go against you on your credit. Try calling the apartments district manager. You can get their number by calling the owner. Sometimes, not always, the district manager will help you. If that doesn't work, contact an attorney.
2006-10-10 14:40:09 · answer #3 · answered by Dawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is considered an emergency if the place flooded, I would take pictures of everything and keep calling and faxing the notes over and over and keep a journal, why did you let it get this bad?
mold is very bad. I would move out, give him a notice. Seek legal help. Move out and take him to court. Keep records, evidence of things.
2006-10-10 14:39:48 · answer #4 · answered by You are loved 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every renter should have renters insurance. It's not that expensive.
Look at your lease and check the responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant.
Mold is a health issue. If the landloard is not responsible, get a plumber ASAP>
2006-10-10 14:38:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with 1 & 2 above, but you can't altogether withhold rent. More than likely you'll have to pay rent in escrow--the landlord, however, will not have access to this money unless and until they address these issues. Look into your lease agreement for more information
2006-10-10 14:38:26 · answer #6 · answered by Sizzlin Sicilian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 - Take pictures of all of the damage.
2 - Document the dates and times of any communications and what was said. If it's legal in your state, record the calls.
3 - Withhold rent until it is fixed to your satisfaction.
.
2006-10-10 14:31:23 · answer #7 · answered by FozzieBear 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Bharris44, but also you might want to contact your township and see if theres anything legal you can do to protect yourself. Also because mold can become dangerous living in the walls and pose a health hazard to you and any other occupants.
2006-10-10 14:37:51 · answer #8 · answered by Kamui VII 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your local Board of Health. They will come and do an inspection and then they will deal with the landlord.
2006-10-10 14:37:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there a managment company?
2006-10-10 14:37:02 · answer #10 · answered by blu_raven_13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋