We have rented a house for 4yrs. and the landlord has never fix one thing for us. Now the landlord wants us to dig a hole for the sepic tank to be cleaned and pay for it. He wants us to cut and trim the trees around the propain tank so the co. can piant it.Can I tell him no seeing he has never fix anything for us?
2007-09-06 05:44:19 · 9 answers · asked by mary ann 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
We don't have a lease
2007-09-06 05:54:36 · update #1
If you have no lease, you should check with your local jurisdiction to see what rights you have. I would think it unlikely that he can force you to do these things. On the other hand, telling him flat-out "no" sets in motion a confrontation which, even if you win, is likely to be somewhat uncomfortable. If the sewage is backing up, for instance, he may refuse to do anything about it without your contribution. My advice would be to try to negotiate a settlement, or else look for a new place to live.
2007-09-06 06:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by DC Landlord 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boy, your landlord sounds like he is from hell! Since you don't have a lease stipulating that you are responsible for such repairs, you have every right to tell him no. The flip side is he can then tell you to get out because you have no rental agreement. I would look for a new place just in case he chooses to be a jerk and asks you to leave. Then I would tell him no. The money you pay in rent should be sufficient to cover his repair costs, so I don't see how he even has the nerve to make such a request! Good luck!
2007-09-06 13:11:46 · answer #2 · answered by Really now 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you have no lease/contract, write one up for the price you will do the work for. These items are not what are normally in any rental agreement I have ever seen. If the septic lines are backing up into the house, you can also call the Health Department as this is dangerous. I would start making plans to move.
2007-09-06 13:33:57 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No lease puts you in a very bad position. Are your prepared to move within a month? Without a lease...the landlord can give you a 30 day notice to vacate.... no reason required. Decision time!!!
2007-09-06 16:32:22 · answer #4 · answered by LILL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have no rental agreement identifying who is responsible for what, then it is impossible to identify who is responsible for what. If you are paying market rate for your rent, then you should not typically be responsible for the things he is asking for. If you are getting "such a deal" versus the going rate in your market, then it would be recommended that you cooperate to the best of your ability. Obviously it is not your responsibility to maintain his property, but he may expect more from you if he is getting less in rent.
All that being said, I think it is time to sit down and draw up a rental agreement and solve the future issues before they arise.
2007-09-06 13:21:04 · answer #5 · answered by Just wonderin' 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at your lease and see what it has outlined that you cover when it comes to maintainence. Normally you would not be required to do any of the major yard work let alone dig holes.
2007-09-06 12:52:13 · answer #6 · answered by Lex 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would be better off getting another place to live than giving this good-for-nothing skinflint another cent. Since you don't have a lease, I'm not sure a lawyer can do much for you.
2007-09-06 13:01:22 · answer #7 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's his property and up to him to pay for any repairs---you are not co-owners just because you pay rent--I'd move.
2007-09-06 13:04:21 · answer #8 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pack your bags and let the fool pay for what is his out of his own pocket!
2007-09-06 13:45:44 · answer #9 · answered by my2cents 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋