My landlord really stinks when it comes to making repairs. I've reached my wits end and waiting for my lease to end in another 6 months. Gas company recently did test on gas lines in my area. My gas line did not pass test and gas line collapsed so the gas company turned off my gas until landlord replaces my gas line. I am without heat and hot water. It's 30 degrees outside! I bought a couple space heaters to stay warm in the interim and can shower at friends house. Question is, can i legally deduct cost of space heaters off rent?
2007-03-17 15:38:41 · 11 answers · asked by alleyshax 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Ever hear of the "warranty of habitability?" You can take him to small claims court, and you will not have to pay him rent for the entire time the house was techically not habitable, and depending on the judge, may even award you for the cost of the heaters, or my further deduct it from the rent and extraordinary expenses such as increased electric bills, gas money and such for having to go elsewhere to shower, etc.. Cover yourself. By that I mean every municipality has a codes officer. Call the village/town/whatever clerk for the name of the codes officer.. Have the codes officer inspect the conditions. They will write you up something that the landlord is in violation of code. Do not pay him any further rent. He cannot evict you if you refuse to pay rent for substandard conditions. The codes officer also, in some localities, has the power to impose fines for whatever length of time it takes to remedythe violation. Make sure as well to send your landlord a letter documenting everything that is wrong.(certified mail is best.) And keep a copy of the letter.
2007-03-17 15:50:43 · answer #1 · answered by mhiaa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Leasing agent PHX. You must require the landlord honor an uphold his terms of the lease. That is to provide a dwelling the is able to be secured., able to have legally provide utilities to it. Otherwise, a Health and Safety issue exists. The landlord must provide another apartment. Or somehow provide temporary abillity to cook, wash, heat, and cool your apartment. That what you pay rent for. Look up the law in your state the defines the relationship betweeen landlords and tenants. Then quote the health and safety issue by serving the landlord in writing. Then if situation requires take him to court and cite the example and issues to a judge. That will release you from your lease. Good luck
2007-03-17 19:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by devil dogs 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cannot legally withold rent. You can place your rent in an escrow account and notify them that it's there and they will get it when repairs are made. Heat and hot water are basic necessities the landlord is required to provide. If your unit does not have that for more than a reasonable time (like 24 hours for hot water) they should be putting you up in a hotel. Don't put up with it for another minute. Demand to have working basics or to be put up in a hotel.
2007-03-17 15:52:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You must have heat and hot water as a basic necessity. I would contact your local tenants rights association. It is illegal for your landlord to not provide the basics. You can deduct the cost of the space heaters and you probably could deduct the cost of your electric bill increase as well. You probably could force him to pay for a hotel until it is fixed as well.
Your local tenants rights association will help you. They may even be able to recommend a lawyer.
2007-03-17 15:44:56 · answer #4 · answered by Misty B 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
actually you have 2 options you can either contact your local tenant rights agency or simple take him to small claims court it seems like he has been through this before. all the rent you paid since the gas line has been broke he owes you that money because you paid for services that were not rendered. or you can apply to gas company in your name under renters terms they have em you will have the gas in your name but only pay for services you use either way he will have to pay you good luck!
2007-03-17 15:54:06 · answer #5 · answered by mcutiegirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can legally hold the rent until ALL repairs are made. That will get results. If not just move out on your lease and let him take you to court. He won't tho because he's been through this before, I'm sure.
2007-03-17 15:44:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
the owner/tenant dating is a business enterprise dating. The hire you pay many times is going in direction of the loan, taxes, coverage, upkeep and utilities. He would not ought to delight in you. Do you delight in him for putting a roof over your head?
2016-10-01 02:37:35 · answer #7 · answered by arieux 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Document EVERYTHING! Contact a lawyer for advice. Most of them will give you a free consultation. In your situation, I believe you have a lot of options in your favor.
2007-03-17 15:48:10 · answer #8 · answered by japanizationstation1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, you deff. can. my grand father lives in an apartment and he does all the time becuase they refuse to do any work for him.be sure to ask your landlord before you do though and be sure to warn him that you are. its threatning to him and he will try to get it fixed he knows that he could be punished
good luck!
2007-03-17 15:43:20 · answer #9 · answered by Allie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
call the BBB better business bureau, it is his business isn't it and hes earning your dollars every month take him to court and shut him down
2007-03-17 15:43:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋