What do you do about a bad landlord?

Question

The landlord knows of many "things" he has not fixed for two years now, he is now "mad" that I pointed out just one of many many things that have not been repaired since I let them know in writing several times and now more than two years later they still have not been fixed. The city inspectors didn't even LOOK in my bathroom where there is a mold problem from rotting wood under the sink. He has taken suttle actions in retaliation, not responding to complaints, basically says if you're not happy "move out"... is that a fair response to a repair request that still goes unresolved 2 years later? IF you dare ask for something to get fixed that should have been repaired before you moved in, than just move out?

Answer 1

I would look for another place. This landlord is going to cause you problems continually. For your own sake you should be looking for something better.

Answer 2

So, it sounds like you have already called the city inspector's to have the place inspected. Do you have a copy of their report? The mold sounds like a HUGE health issue! You can request another inspection and personally walk the inspector through and point out things. Then, if he still refuses to fix these problems, he could be slapped with slumlord charges. Now, I'm not exactly sure how things vary in different areas of the country, but, I believe that you can withhold your rent until the repairs are made. You must, however, hold on to the money, and provide proof that you have the funds readily available to be payed to the landlord upon completion of the repairs. During this time, if he tries to evict you, you can take the report, pictures and proof of funds into court and they will more than likely issue some judgement in your favor. But, I would avoid having the repairs done to the home yourself, since, I had a similar problem like yours once, and I did that, and lost all of the money. You need to consult a legal advisor on this one, and I wish you the best of luck! And, remember: ALWAYS GET THINGS IN WRITING!

Answer 3

If the landlord is failing to fix problems then you can file a complaint with the city - I'm not exactly sure which office. There are also procedures in place that allow you to have the work done yourself and send the landlord the receipts in lieu of rent - but make sure you follow the letter of the law here.

But really, why in the world would you want to live in a building where the landlord is not willing to fix the things that go wrong. Sounds like the guy is a slumlord.

Answer 4

The question is conditional. If you have prepared a Rent Deed where certainconditions are incorporated that repairs and replacement of defective items will be the responsibility of the landlor, then you are justified to ask the landlord to give him in writing to get the defective items repaired. If you have not got any written agreement, even then the Landlord is bound to provide you essential facilities to reside in the house. He has no right to ask you "Move Out' by any stretch of imagination. You can give a notice to the land lord from the advocate to provide y you residential facilities in his house, otherwise he has no right to ask for rent of the accommodation.

Answer 5

A couple of issues here--the first is that landlord/tenant law varies depending upon where you live. Tenant protections in one place may not exist in another.

The second is that you say it "should have been repaired before you moved in", which implies that you knew about the living conditions when you moved in. Did you have a written agreement that the landlord was going to repair those problems?

Did the city inspectors find code violations? If so, how were they to be followed up? Have you pursued that?

Good luck.

Answer 6

Your landlord is so uncool. Sorry to say this is very common. Please try the health inspectors again, or the call the city and ask what help there may be for you.
If he does finally do the repair, he may raise your rent to pay himself back.
Ultimately, your best course of action is to do whatever you need to do to buy a place and get out from under the thumb of such uncaring people. I know it is hard to buy a place, but it is a good dream to have. It can happen. Good luck, my friend.

Answer 7

If these problems have gone on this long, and your landlord is obviously unwilling to rectify them, then even if you can legally strongarm him into acting, he will still make your life much more difficult than it has to be. It sounds like he already is. In that case, your best bet for future happiness and peace of mind is to follow his "subtle" advice and move out.

Is it fair? No. Is there anything you can realistically do about it while you continue to reside there? No, not really. Good luck finding a better landlord.

Answer 8

Why are you putting up with this for 2 years? You should have moved out long ago.

I saw your list of "repairs" on another post. Cosmetic items are meanlingless. You need to contact the telephone compnay if you want a phone line.

He DOES need to fix the rot problem, but unless you have a 2 bath place you need to move out first. This is not a repair, it is a remodel.

Answer 9

unless it is a health hazard or heating and cooling, appliances if included, there really is not much you can do about deferred maintenance items. i realize that you would hope for better from your landlord, but it sounds like in order to get better, you will probably have to move.

in the instance of mold in the floors or, sheetrock you are better off leaving. i would be skeptical of even a good landlord's ability to fix that without tearing out the floor, which would render that bathroom unusable for a time, anyway.

Answer 10

Please tell readers the position precisely is this apt positioned, so we would search for the regulations in this. Your landlord can not leave you in this apt at the same time as ceiling is bumped off. have you ever lengthy gone to well-being Dept. Take pictures of this.