I emailed my property manager (his preferred way of communication) on 7/6 about 6-7 things that need fixed, got a response 7/9 from his secretary that she would forward it to him. I called him a few weeks later and left a voicemail, no response.
I emailed again last wednesday and she said to contact his office if no response this time. He called back the next day left and left a VM, I called him back and left a VM to call me.
Rent is due in the drop box by tomorrow (5th). I live in West Virginia. Do you know what the laws are of me paying for the maintenance myself and deducting it from rent?
2007-08-04 13:43:53 · 10 answers · asked by PlasticTrees 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Please don't say "look up state laws online". I have looked and can't find anything concerning this matter.
2007-08-04 13:44:34 · update #1
I have heard of people fixing the items themselves and saving the bills then deducting it from there rent.
Personally, I would pay this months and send a certified letter with return receipt to him with your problems and then if you didn't get it fixed or at least have time line then get them fixed yourself and do as I mentioned above.
2007-08-04 13:48:57 · answer #1 · answered by C C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well i don't live in west virginia but i know that you have to pay your rent regrdless if they fix it or not because if you think that you're going to have to sue your land lord for negligence towards repairing your apt you have proof to show to the judge that you've been payin your rent on time and that is not fair they don't do they're part of the agreement that you signed in the lease and an advice if they don't repair anything just send letters to the company complaining about the job of the super and he'll prob get a call from the company and have to do it. i'm bad at explanin things sorry i hope you get the idea
2007-08-04 21:22:59 · answer #2 · answered by s|\|0\/\/ 908 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most cases yougive them the notice in writting about the problems. In cases where it may be a water leak problem or something that is a fire hazerd problem , they have to get it fixed within 24hrs. Other problems should be fixed within 2 weeks of the notice. But in most states you are required to send a second notice and in that notice you state that if it isn't dealt with in a timely manner that you will be with holding rent.
Always keep copies of your statements and do send him a copy certified. Keep all records of when you talk to his secratary or him.
Most states have a law in place that they are to keep rental proprties liveable and have repairs made in a reasonable amount of time or the tenant can with hold rent.
You can call a real estate attorny to have this info given to you.
Also your local Legal Aid office should have a copy of renters rights.
2007-08-04 20:58:10 · answer #3 · answered by thinkbig 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should pay your rent. Since West Virginia landlord/tenant law makes no exception for withholding rents due to repairs, you will be found in violation of your lease agreement and will become subject to eviction.
2007-08-04 20:59:47 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to pay your rent.
but do include a note or letter reiterating the items that need to be fixed. give him a time line (you have now waited two weeks and would like these items fixed with the next 7 business days - as they are causing an inconvenience to you).
by continuing to pay your rent you are showing good faith (mention that in the letter too)
keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
write us back if this does not work for you....glad to assist.
good luck :)
2007-08-04 20:48:44 · answer #5 · answered by Blue October 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Read your contract. Its obviously a cat/mouse game with phone tag. Tell him the best time to call you or to come by and see the damage. Leave a note with your Rent in the envelope.
2007-08-04 20:58:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF you dont pay, send them a letter saying that you have set up an escrow account at your bank, into which you will deposit your rent until the things are fixed.
2007-08-04 21:38:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to pay your rent regardless...repairs are a completely separate issue, and if you look at your lease, will say so.
I would, however, be making daily phone calls since he doesn't respond to e-mail.
2007-08-04 20:54:51 · answer #8 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no attorney and further have no real knowledge of the laws in your state...but I'm 99.99% certain that you have no legal standing to withhold rent in this (or any similar) situation.
There may be legal recourse available to you, but not paying the rent isn't one of them.
2007-08-04 20:49:02 · answer #9 · answered by Fountainhead 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes or you get a late fee
2007-08-04 20:50:46 · answer #10 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋