My husband and I are currently renting. The garbage disposal is broken. We talked to our landlords about this and they said they would reimburse us for a new one but would not pay for the labor to install it. My husband has done a lot of work on this house for reduction in rent but he does not know how to install a garbage disposal, so we would have to hire someone. Is my landlord being unfair? It brokeout of normal wear and tear. My feeling is the garbage disposal should be treated like the dishwasher, etc. Thanks!
2006-10-16 04:02:49 · 13 answers · asked by 10 pts for me? 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Some of the previous answers touch on the correct answer, some do not.
Double check in the area where you live (with a legal aid office or tenant/landlord website) but the basic rules are the same nation wide as far as tenant/landlord laws and regulations go. A landlord is obligated to provide you with a habitable residence in exchange for your rent monies. Essential services must me fixed within seven days of being reported as broken/deficient; non-essential services must be fixed within thirty days of being reported. ( Always report things in writing to be able to document times...)
Before jumping the gun, double check your rental agreement to ensure that you are not renting the place "AS IS". Then point out to your landlord (again in writing) that it is his/her responsibility by law to maintain the residence. This means that HE/SHE has to either have the garbage disposer replaced or repaired, or the unit removed and a simple drain installed in it's place. A broken disposer can be a health hazard because it is a trap for any food particles that get washed down the sink, and is a breeding ground for all sorts of germs and bacteria.
2006-10-16 04:51:19 · answer #1 · answered by CMR2006 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the garbage disposal was there and working when you first rented the place, and if your lease does not specify that the tenant is responsible for repairing/replacing appliances, then the landlord is responsible for repairing it or replacing it. Send your landlord a letter by certified mail that the garbage disposal is broken and must be repaired or replaced. Also say that if it is not repaired or replaced within 10 days then you will have it done and the cost will be deducted from the rent.
2006-10-16 05:08:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is generally the landlord's responsiblity to fix such problems if the problem was caused by normal wear and tear. Double check your lease. You should send written notice to the landlord of the problem. Send it in a way that you can prove the landlord received it. In most states, this starts the clock ticking on the landlord's duty to repair. In Ohio, landlord's have a maximum of 30 days to fix such problems. If the landlord still hasn't addressed the problem in 30 days, you can escrow your rent with the clerk of courts, sue to compel the repairs, or, if the problem is serious enough, vacate the apartment. Garbage disposal usually would not merit this last option.
2006-10-16 05:34:02 · answer #3 · answered by ruzicho2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has done any work on the house he should no how to install a garbage disposal. Buy one a read the directions. A 12 year old could do it
2006-10-16 04:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by bam_du1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a very fair landlord here!
They like to reimburse the item and not the labor.You use it, normally you should to replace it depends the rules in your contract.Also there was already a reduction in rent in the past, what are you complaining ??
As advice I can give you keep up the good peace with your landlord or seek else where.
2006-10-16 04:21:49 · answer #5 · answered by Chantal D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless your lease specifies that you are responsible for repairing the garbage disposal, your landlord is.
2006-10-16 04:24:24 · answer #6 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are right and I'm not sure how you feel about this or your LL but you have the right to with hold rent it's called the mirini law I think i spelled it right but basically the disposal was their when you moved in and is not responsibility, you LL is being unfair and he knows it. on the flip side if you decide to pay tell him don't reimburse you take it out the rent cause who knows if he really will, if you decide to trust him get it in writing. it's the american way.
2006-10-16 04:10:05 · answer #7 · answered by des g 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
tyoe in renters rights on your search engine..it sounds like you two have a special arrangement, but if the disposal was there when you moved in, then he should be required to pay for it. you on the other hand, may be required to start paying the full amount of rent.
2006-10-16 04:06:43 · answer #8 · answered by moluvsmark 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may believe a garbage disposal is not a "necessary household item", therefore you can live without it.
2006-10-16 04:05:49 · answer #9 · answered by Michael J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
landlords responsibility to pay for labor and disposal ...just deduct from rent make copy of bill and keep the copy !! its part of what your renting and should be working don't let them hood wink you !!
2006-10-16 04:07:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋