Is it a landlord's responsibility to provide a working phone line?

Question

Hello,

I rent an apartment in a house. My phone line went bad. The phone company said it was an old line and that the wiring inside the house would have to be replaced. My landlord says I must pay for the repairs. Is it my landlord's responsibility to provide a working phone line to my apartment?

I live in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia area

Answer 1

Depends on the contract you signed. I'd suggest you read it again. My feeling is that the landlord is responsible for it. But I don't know for sure.

Answer 2

i have the perfect solution to your issue and i have done it myself with cable wiring. Yes maintance of the home is landlord problem. However phone is a convience not required for living. Now if the landlord wont pay for it . Here is a easy solution and easily hidden if you are worried about security deposit back. Get drill and drill a small hole right through the wall from the grey phone box attached to the outside of the house and run a wire from that box through your small hole into your room whatever room that might be. Now when you leave simply throw some toothpaste in the hole and sand it smooth.
if you want your jack somewhere else just run it across the wall or nailed up to the ceiling
i mean it is a rental who cares.
oh by the way i have always gotten every dime of every security deposit back for anyone wanting to critisize my tactics
you just have to try to make it somewhat neet looking

Answer 3

I would imagine that an argument could be made that telephone wiring is a necessary thing in any dwelling,and that lack of functioning lines could make the premises untenable,and thus be a constructive eviction.That being the case,the remedy would be to declare the lease breached by the landlord,and then the tenant would move.
I suspect that if the landlord were faced with this alternative,and he realized that it would be difficult or impossible to re let the premises,he would repair the wiring.

Answer 4

No it's not the landlords problem. Unless a phone is in your rental agreement. But he must allow the phone company access to any area that requires line replacement (ex. basement).

Answer 5

Can you hear me now???

In NJ, the tenant is responsible for the phone line as it is not "part of the premises" but an add-on by and for the enjoyment of the renter.

Not knowing what State you are in makes it difficult to pinpoint a correct answer for you.

Answer 6

Well, I don't know about other states, but in California, the answer is "Yes". Though I can't recall the exact Civil Code, I believe it's 1941 something or other. Anyway, you can call the Public Utilities Commision or "611" (repair) for more info.

Answer 7

For wires INSIDE the house it is the landlords responsibility because it would be improvements on the house for any future tenants as well.

Answer 8

Your lease will tell you who is responsible for the line. If you are the one who has to replace it, it isnt hard to do, go to Lowes or Home Depot and they will help you figure it out.

Answer 9

Maintenance is entirely the landlord's responsibility.

Answer 10

no im afraid not. phone is not an utility,it is a luxury. if it was an electical line then yes landlords responsablity.