My landlord is the kind of person which dont fix things around the house. We tell him about a number of things like the hot pipes that are not cover and where people can get burned and hewould never cover them. It would take like seriously a few minutes to cover them. And also about the porch that is falling apart. Now to say if one of his tenants get hurt from him not taking care of his problems that he should of. Can he be sued if one of his tenants get hurt?
2006-11-12 09:33:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
He can be sued if you got hurt, but you would have to prove that you notified him of the condition in order to really get anywhere with such a claim. And by get anywhere I mean punitive damages, not just the actual cost of your x-rays or whatever. Letters sent both regular and certified are best for repair requests.
If it is such a danger and would only take a "few minutes" to fix, wouldn't the smart thing to do be to cover it yourself?
2006-11-12 11:13:33 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's only required to cover them if the local codes require it. In most cases, this is not a requirement for hot water systems. Some jurisdictions require steam pipes to be insulated but they run much hotter than normal hot water lines.
Most hot water systems are set between 125 and 140 degrees. Contact can be painful but will not cause serious injury. Domestic steam systems typically run between 250 and 300 degrees and are insulated for both efficiency and safety reasons.
Most jurisdictions only require landlords' properties meet minimal standards of human habitability. Things like leaking roofs, broken windows, doors that cannot be locked, sewage backing up into the unit, lack of water and sanitary facilities, etc. must be dealt with. Minor things such as worn flooring, uninsulated pipes, etc. don't normally deem a property unfit for human habitation and forcing a landlord to fix them can be nearly impossible if they refuse to act.
2006-11-12 17:53:32 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you signed your lease you assumed the apartment as is. The hot water rads are the same everywhere. You seldom cover them. I use mine to dry my socks,jeans,bath towels, and to warm my PJ's before I go to bed. It great.. The outside porch falls under the Building Code, so if you think your going to injure yourself (let the other tenants take care of themselves), call the Building Inspector's office and report your dwelling. You have all kinds of options as a tenant - read your tenant rights.Oh, by the way, if it will only take a "couple of minutes" to cover them, why don't you do it? Minor repairs ARE the responsibility of the tenant.(ie:fuses,light bulbs,washers,door stoppers,etc)..
2006-11-12 17:50:30 · answer #3 · answered by peaches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is really not necessary for him to be notified of the problems but it would certainly strengthen your case. Yes, you can sue if you are hurt by any item that could be deemed as "negligence." Steps are a big liability for any property owner. Make sure you put your repair requests in writing or record them when you call so it's not just your word against his. You can also withhold rent and put it in an escrow account until he fixes the items. If he takes you to court you would explain the money was in escrow waiting on the repairs and the judge would require him to fix the problems (in most cases).
2006-11-13 06:36:54 · answer #4 · answered by cptv8ing 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is yes your may sued your landlord if tenants get hurt under circumstances. Since the house has problems and you have talked to him about it. I suggested you write a formal letter indicating the probs, This way you have prove that you have talked to him about it. In the future if someone did get hurt than you may use the letter as a back up arguement. I am a landlord and myself and I take my tenants serious.In your case your landlord is kind but he is unprofessional about this.
2006-11-12 17:39:14 · answer #5 · answered by uniqaznmeg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fix the minor problems yourself.Anything serious withhold the rent.That will get his attention.
2006-11-12 17:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by guvner_46 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes ! Also to you would need to contact the city and report him. The city will make him fix it up.
2006-11-12 17:39:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he has been notified, ytjen he would be responsible for any damages. Notify him in writing and send it certified.
2006-11-12 17:37:15 · answer #8 · answered by Nort 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋