In Massachusettes rental, no hot water with disabled child in home. How long can this go on for?

Question

It has been 3 days the landlord in in Florida..I am told that I must wait 2-3 more days. Can I call an emergency plumber and take it off of the rent ? My child had surgery and there is no hot water for days ...we have electric hot water and I have all electric paid for.

Answer 1

Your landlord didn't leave an emergency number? That was very irresponsible of him or her. The heating elements may have become corroded in which case the entire hot water heater may need to be replaced. Try pulling out the elements and cleaning them off with sandpaper. If possible, have someone hook up a water softener ahead of the cold water line. Your landlord should have been draining the water heater every year. If possible, check the breaker panel connected to the hot water heater and make sure it is a single line with nothing else connected to it. People sometimes tap into the wire to feed something else and the heater doesn't get enough power.

If you cannot reach your landlord, either go to an electrician for an estimate or buy a new water heater. A plumber may not have the electrical equipement to help you. This bill should most definitely be taken off the rent. Are there emergency numbers you can call while the landlord is not in, or do you know anyone with his number in FL. (cell phone, etc.). Try and ask the landlord's opinion first, but you and your child shouldn't have to go through another minute without hot water. Perhaps there are people in the area who know the landlord and might be able to give you better advice than I. Is there a stipulation in your contract for when something breaks down? Hopefully the landlord is a good guy/gal and offers to refund the money immediately. Remember: hot water is a necessity and thus automatically counted for in the rent. You may want to ask whoever gives you an estimate to charge the bill to the landlord automatically and when he arrives home let him know what happened.

All the best.

Answer 2

Call the Health Dept., and you will get some action. As the weather has been so bad in your part of the country, the delay may be due to the way plumbers are being scheduled. Second call to the power company, third call to the newspaper. Is your landlord trying, or just unable to do anything from so far away? Best wishes

Answer 3

Call the electic company or oil company. Have them charge the landlord. Or, if you can, pay for it first, and send a copy of the bill that you paid to the landlord for reembersment. Wating 2-3 days sounds rediculous. It needs to be done now and the landlord is responsable for all maintence and upkeeping.

Answer 4

I would report him to the housing authority regardless if he is in florida or not . or just have it fixed and take it off the rent and then if he or she makes a stink over it go to the housing authority . Hot water is a neccesity not a luxury !!! remind them of that . and you having a disabled child is reason enough for you to make a stink over it . I would be irate over this . I hope you get it fixed and no dont wait . good luck. also see if you can have a local tv station come out and report your story .

Answer 5

I would call a lawyer and see what rights you have OR you could take the chance and call the plumber. When the land lord returns had the bill to him/her. It they refuse to pay it...you could try taking them to court. Since you have a disabled child, the judge might go your way! Another thought, take your problem to the media.

Answer 6

call the landlord------you may sue him because he left you without hot water(?) I'd call who you need to call and give the landlord the bill----if he does not want to reimburse you I would take him to small claims court----call all utilities you are having trouble with--explain your situation.....and etc....give me your email so others will be able to help you and include landlord info...