We have just moved into a house (as tenants) and have discovered a lot of things that do not work or are unfinished. the worst thing is that when one of the showers is turned on it makes a noise like a train coming through my bedroom. The landlord refuses to admit there is a problem. Is there anything I can do?
2007-02-14 00:22:22 · 15 answers · asked by wils 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Things that don't work include lights, some of the hobs. Unfinished work includes things like cupboard dorrs, back doors not closing properly, blinds curtains broken.
2007-02-14 00:28:10 · update #1
First of all - what isn't working?
ADDED: If what you say is true then he is in breach of the contract as a dwelling must be fit to live in!
He is obliged (if he is a legitimate landlord) to make good all the property - unless done by you!
You have a good case to withold the rent - but to play safe - write a letter to him stating the problems you have and what is not working and state a time that you expect repairs to be made in!
If he doesn't do it - then get yourself more advice from the CAB and if need be a solicitor -
I would be very careful because it would appear from what you say that he is a bit of a cowboy -so check your rental agreement carefully. He may have fiddled the wording and made it appear as though you have accepted the property in it's current condition
2007-02-14 00:25:09 · answer #1 · answered by jamand 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Why didn't you notice these things before you moved in? Some of the problems should be things you could fix pretty easily such as lights not working (try changing bulbs) and problems with curtains/ shades. As for the shower, yes the landlord has to fix this. The cabinet doors you should have seen and gotten something in writting, not moved in if they were not fixed.
2007-02-14 08:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by ebosgramma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each state has different regulations on landlord/tenant rights. You need to research the regs in your state so you don't make a mistake. Second, I'd make a detailed list of what's wrong with the house - did you do a pre-rental inspection/walkthrough - and send the list to the landlord by certified mail. Also take pictures of the things you can.
Good luck.
2007-02-14 08:33:02 · answer #3 · answered by jack w 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have checked the place out more thoroughly...but what you need to do know, is send him a certified letter listing the complaints.
You need to give him a reasonable ammount of time to fix the items, like 30 days.
If he doesnt, you can deposit the rent into an escrow account at the local bank, or you can discuss termination of the lease.
Don't just stop paying or move out in the middle of the night.
You can ruin your credit.
2007-02-14 10:24:45 · answer #4 · answered by butch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what he is doing is illegal!I would call a lawyer and ask their advice.You should be able to do that just over the phone and they would be able to let you know if you have a case and I think you do.Take photos and possibly use a video camera too.make a list of allthings wrong.keep your own records of everything and also send your landlord a letter that you would like these items fixed,make a copy of the letter for your records and mail it certified so that you have proof that he got the letter.You might even be able to get all your money back that you have given him.good luck!hope it all works out for you.
2007-02-14 17:50:27 · answer #5 · answered by Bobbie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all you should to check it out while you were moving to a new house. But now, do you have a rent agreement? If no then go to land lord and told him to give you rent agreement and call to plumber for showing your shower because you have been done miss take. And make sure, next time should be care full.
2007-02-14 08:35:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The solution depends on where you live: What country, State/Province, County, City or part of city.
For instance certain parts of Los Angeles(California) there are 'Rent Control' laws that dictates increases and other remedies of a land lord/tenant dispute.
The shower noise is caused by rusted galvanized metal pipes. . .oooooh big job.
2007-02-14 08:45:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Collect evidence such as photographs and videos and possibly seek the advice of a lawyer. Some landlords will try and take you for a ride but don't let them get away with it!
2007-02-14 08:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by ehc11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would look at your lease, if the problems are so bad that they interfere with your daily life you may be able to get out of the lease or at least threaten to. if it's not in your lease i would see what type of renter laws you city and or state have, they may be enough force to get him to fix the problems. other than that if they don't effect your daily life i would not worry to much. I would also make sure you can gather proof, pictures, proof of the sound ect...
2007-02-14 08:27:32 · answer #9 · answered by sigmapi_razz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is obligated to fix those. tell him that if he dosnt take care of them that you'll either take him to court (the threat itself may be enough), or tell him that if you need to get them fixed yourself, that youre having the bill sent straight to him, since he should have done it in the first place. be persistant- i had to call my landlord 7 times before he fixed my shower, and had to call over 10 times to get him to turn on the heat. i ended up buying my own blinds. eventually your landlord might fix them to get you off his back!! but dont let it slide whatever you do- youre paying him and this is his responsibility!!
good luck!
2007-02-14 08:33:07 · answer #10 · answered by cyanideprincess0008 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋