Okay, we are renting a house in Mo and a little under two months ago, our house was flooded (along with almost 70 other peoples) and the landlord has been very nasty about the whole situation. They have NOT helped us clean the place. We ripped out the carpets, scrapped the floors, washed the walls, missed 4 days of work to attend meetings and clean the place up. And they are complaining because DHS, SEMA, RED CROSS and the city inspector is saying the walls and the insulation need replaced. They live in a brand new home over 4000 sq feet and have not been over but one day to bring over items to clean THEIR property. I feel like when I pay the rent this month, I should take those charges out of the amount. However, my husband and parents do not even though we have been unable to use that part of the house because all the above officials say the house is unacceptable. What would you do?
2007-10-07 15:38:23 · 6 answers · asked by Luvbuz01 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I would try to move. But if that is not an option I would charge them for the work done and send them the bill instead of the rent .
If any grief came from it I would contact an attorney.
2007-10-07 15:46:47 · answer #1 · answered by Pamela B 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Move out. Now. Your home is not fit for human habitation and your landlord is probably not able to properly put it in habitable condition any time soon. If you have a lease, you have every reason to break it given the condition of the place.
In MO you can't put the rent in escrow. If you stay there you must pay the rent. You have no right of repair and deduct in MO, unfortunately.
Again, this place is NOT fit for occupancy. For the health of your family, move NOW! Given the condition of the home you do not need to give the usual 30 days notice; this is an emergency situation.
2007-10-07 23:05:05 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would move out immediately before mold sets in and ruins your health and the health of your family members. Unless you are stuck in a long term lease, give your 30 days notice. If you are, get an attorney. It will be worth it. And stop working on the place. Additionally, you will have to prove with paperwork that your ripping out the carpets was due to flood damage, not to "you mistreating the property" or the landlord could sue you for money to replace it.
2007-10-07 22:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by David S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would move. As a renter, you shouldn't be under any obligation to rip out carpet or anything. That is one of the best perks of renting. Seems like you have a lousy landlord.
You shouldn't have any expenses to deduct from the rent. If you did incur expense, they were of your own idea and not the landlord's responsiblity. You still have to pay your rent as stipulated in your rental agreement.
Good luck :)
2007-10-07 23:06:26 · answer #4 · answered by wildeyedredhead 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you can't move, find an attorney who can help you set up an escrow account. If the repairs you made exceed the rent, pay the full rent into that escrow account, and inform the landlord that you are holding that amount of rent in escrow until you are fully reimbursed for the repairs. Keep all of the receipts and documentation of the work done. If you don't pay rent, or pay into an escrow account, you will be evicted.
2007-10-07 23:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by therainbowseeker 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you can move out. It is illegal for you to live in a house that isnt safe. Try contacting your landlords and make a note of every phonecall also write down everything you have done to fix their rental property. That way if you do take them to small claims court they are going to have to pay for your time and effort. People like this totally suck. But seriously I would just move out.
2007-10-07 22:50:49 · answer #6 · answered by mezziboo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋