I'm specifically asking as a renter about what I should expect to be repaired/kept up. I know that certain problems actually fall into a category of "health risk" and I am entitled to have it remedied myself and deduct it from the rent. Can I find some examples of these? Our fireplace flew won't stay open and we nearly got esphixiated.
2006-12-14 14:19:40 · 7 answers · asked by jetta 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
What state do you live in? many states have their own set of rules concerning renters. you can pick up a booklet at your states legal aide or the court house. but you are entitled to live in a safe place no matter what. If there is something that is posing a threat to your health contact your landlord and tell him/her you need something done about _____ and is there a contractor he or she regularly uses then call that person if not call someone on your own and have the bill sent to your landlord. You also have the right to hold your rent until work gets done...but there are specific rules for that you have to contact the landlord by writing and the money for rent has to be put in an account to show that you do have the money but just aren't paying him or her until the work is done. if the land lord refuses to have the work done and you pay for it yourself even if it is basic maintenance you can deduct the price off of your rent just be sure to keep copies of all of the receipts this will cover you in case the land lord tries to take you to court. hope this helps
2006-12-14 14:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by t 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe that ALL states have regulations to deal with any kind of health hazard, this is certainly one! If you've signed a lease & moved in with all appliances working, etc., (for which you are paying the rent!) & something breaks down, that CAN be another matter, often depending on your landlord who--if fixes or replaces it--may raise your rent. It depends much on where you live. I was renting in California, & when the landlord refused to do anything about the deteriorated fireplace, (my rental agreement was $1,500. month FOR THE AMENTIES in/on the premises when I signed the lease), I reported it to the bldg. inspector, & just before my lease was up for renewal, got an eviction notice, & had to hire an attorney to get back my securtity deposit. I also got a wonderful book: "Landlord & Tenants Rights" that showed each step I could take, (motions etc.), & stay WITHOUT PAYING RENT for quite a a few months! I didn't choose to do that, because the landlord was always poking around & it wasn't worth it. I'll never forget what the attorney said: "You have more power than you realize!" & I DID. I got back my securty deposit, plus cost of improvements I'd made. I hope it doesn't come to that with you; do some research--be prepared. (Also, if you need advice, paralegals are far less expensive than attorneys.) In some cases, at least in California, yes, you can remedy it yourself if the landlord refuses, & deduct it from the rent, (with a receipt). It's always best to know before you do anything, what your options are. Have you tried going on-line to find what the laws are in you county, or state? That would be an excellent start. Good luck...
2006-12-14 14:50:52 · answer #2 · answered by Valac Gypsy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any repairs you need on the unit, you have to ask your landlord. If you go ahead with the repairs and try to deduct it from rent, the landlord has the right to withhold from your security deposit. However, if you contact your landlord and they choose not to assist you in needed repairs, you can legally make repairs yourself. I believe it's 2 weeks from giving notice. If, however, the landlord does not want the repairs done, you have the right to terminate the lease agreement and give 60 days depending on severity of the problem. Obviously fireplace is an added bonus, but if you don't have water or heat you can easily get out of the lease.
2006-12-14 16:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by KillerKat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have serious problems like that because the landlord isn't doing his job in maintaining the apartment, I would call your city's housing department and file a complaint. Maybe they will send inspectors and fine the landlord, and this might make him more responsive to your problems in the future.
2006-12-14 15:15:39 · answer #4 · answered by Alan S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know renters in Indiana have no rights. I'm unsure of other states.
2006-12-14 15:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by ROBERT L O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we all have rights!...
look in U. S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development, other wise known as HUD
2006-12-14 22:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look it up your self.
2006-12-14 14:26:55 · answer #7 · answered by thresher 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋