who do you contact when a landlord won't fix something?

Answer 1

In the state of New Mexico, you can withhold the amount of rent it takes to fix the problem. Under guildlines of course.

Now look, renters do have a portion of responsibility in upkeep. Especially if you tore it up. Fix it. Keep your mouth shut and go on with life.

But others things, that, say broke because of age and normal use, you report the problem a few times, then you write a certified letter stating your intentions to withhold rent and 'call a plumber', so to say.
In the letter, you have to give I think it's 14 days to respond. No response or item fixed, you get it fixed yourself with the withheld rent.

Another word about the renters portion.
An example:
You've lived there 8 years. The rooms were freshly painted when you moved in.
Between the kids, pictures hung all over the place, furniture always being pushed up against the walls---now, the walls need painting.
A good renter offers to paint the rooms if the landlord supply's the paint.

The wife and I, were landlords for about 5 years.
My parents for about 20.

In my trade, I presently work in a lot of rentals.
Seen a lot of things.
Fixed a lot of things that the renter really should have paid for.

The two main things I see, is the renter should have called it in sooner, before it got to be a real problem.
And that their kids outright tore it up, but they'll deny it and stick to there story regardless how obvious the truth is.

Answer 2

I would contact your local building inspector first, advise them of problems, but before you contact them make sure your lease (contract) does not state that you are responsible for making repairs (e.g. plumbing, holes in wall etc..). Most leases have a section where you did an inspection before moving in, and any problems should have been listed there and fixed prior to you moving in. In the state of GA, you cannot withhold funds from your rent due to landlord not fixing problems since you've entered into a legal binding "contract".

After checking your lease in repairs section, I would definitely call your local building inspector and advise them of condition needing to be repaired. The building inspector will then contact landlord by phone and/or mail asking them to fix problem. If landlord still refuses to fix, turn in your notice to vacate premises, you might be able to negotiate refunding of your deposit, versus filing suit in probate court. Just keep in mind, usually witholding funds from your rent to fix problem will not hold up in court, Judge will advise tenant that they have a breach of contract.
Best of luck!

Answer 3

You didn't say what he wouldn't fix. These kind of questions always bring out the "kill the bum" advocates. Before you withhold any money, make sure that you are legal in doing so. Not all areas allow this and some that do, require an escrow account be opened and the money deposited into it.

Answer 4

I don't know what state you live in, but I am pretty sure that the law would be on your side. Try searching in Yahoo! or Google "Your State" + landlord tenant law. This should help.

Answer 5

Contact the Consumer Advocate at your local television station.

Answer 6

Deal with them in writing telling exactly what you expect and when. When they don't deliver, explain to them that you consider them to be providing less than you bargained for when renting so reduce the rent you pay by the amount you think reasonable for the inconvenience. Tell them that in writing each time you pay rent. They will eventually have to fix or live with reduced rent. If they won't fix, move. They will not be able to evict you.

Answer 7

First exactly read your contract documentary (LI SING).
Then See life time guarantee of item how long it is.If item is damage during your contract you should pay for it other wise you can call local building safety department to send inspector.

Answer 8

if your landlord is a reasonable person you should be Abel to tell him your problem is this a big repair or a small one?
if it is a big one ,tell him you will move out when your lease runs out