Landlord is not willing to off set rent due to a 8 month repair that results into a high electric bill?

Question

I initially filled out property form of potenial repairs and the 2 bathroom tub was running hot water and put in request to have that fixed. I a 8 month time framed the leak had worsen that a reflect a electric bill of 450.00 last month. After I complained to the leasing agent of the amount and that i am unable to pay the the bill plus the upcoming rent. The owner got someone out to repair the leak immediately. I have payed my rent on time, even paid for repairs that the owner was reponsible for and deducted it from rent. Now, the owmer is unwilling to work with me on high bill in the result of not taking care of a 8 month repair. I had also had put the requst in on two other occasion.

help?

Answer 1

The only way you can get your money is to file a small claims suit. Have copies of your bills, your receipts, the repairs done, and the bills after the repairs were done to confirm that was the reason for the high bill cost.

Answer 2

If the owner is unwilling to work with you, the only alternative I can think of is to file suit against him and attempt to get compensation. If you have good documentation, you may be able to get something back. If you file suit, I would plan on vacating the property. The landlord is not likely to want you to stay after you file suit. One other thing you may want to check is local laws concerning renting. Some have ordinances where a landlord may have to comply. It would probably be a good idea to consult with an attorney. They should be familiar with local laws and could best advise you on how to proceed.

Answer 3

We have several properties here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to which I am the company director. First, keep in mind, the information I am providing you with here is typically standard BUT reflects the laws of landlord/tenant dispute in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. You must continue to pay your rent though. If not he/she could evict you. It is a poor landlord however, that does not respect the needs of his/her tenants. You can seek legal action. The first is with the use of an Attorney or you can file a landlord/ tenant dispute at your local district court, magistrate or district justice office. I am to assume based on your information that your hot water is heated by electricity. I feel you have a legitimate complaint. Due to his negligence your water heating costs have went above normality. If you try to reduce your rent in contention and supply him with electric bills and take it form your rent, he could charge the fact that you are delinquent in your rent. You have 2 options. Forget about it, which, is not what I would suggest. Two, pursue this as above fore mentioned. Keep in mind, creating problems with this landlord might create you additional troubles down the road like raising your rent. Good Luck