landlord problems?

Question

Does a landlord have to make repairs to a house that I am renting? We almost had a fire, due to a power box on the side of our house not being wired right. The lights flicker and around 5-10 plug-in outlets do not work. A rep from the power company came out and inspected the box, reccomended that the landlord replace it. He sent his electrician out, who had orders to basically "Jerry Rig" it, instead of replacing it. We have tile in the Bathroom, that is missing in spots, that shows the boards underneath. The house is really old and needs lots of repair work. The swamp cooler is probably 30+ yrs old. Hot water in bathroom sink does not work. He ran pvc pipes from the Washing machine "about 30 feet" to the street, so it drains in the street. Plus we think there is mold and lead paint. Is there anything we can do to get this guy to fix this??

Answer 1

Well, unfortunately no one can Make anyone do anything. Everyone has the freedom to act or not act. This includes you.

I would find these conditions totally unexpectable as many of those you mentioned are dangerous. Landlords are required by most cities and municipalities to ensure that the dwelling does not pose a threat to your health, safety and welfare (threaten to diminish your quality of life).

Can you find a different place to live? If so, I would start looking if he has been informed of the hazards and hasn't acted. You CAN act and not just fall victim to his lack of action.

Find out if your city has or can recommend an ombudsman's office which will provide legal counsel for free on this matter. Send your landlord written letters that you have copies of, and get them certified so he has to sign for them. Inform your landlord that you have already told him of these problems (list them) and that you expect satisfactory resolutions within 14 days.

Take lots of pictures to document the issues at different angles such as the tiles which pose a safety hazard for tripping or stubbing your toes especially at night etc..

Lead Paint:

Almost all cities in the USA require that your landlord gives you a disclosure informing you of the possiblity of lead paint if the home was built before 1978. Lead paint is not illegal in an older house, but not informing a tenant PRIOR to them moving in, AND getting their signature to prove they were informed IS illegal in most citys and states.

Jerryrigging electrical boxes and other electrical problems puts you and your family in imminant danger right now this very minute. How can or will you know if wires are getting hot and smoldering away within walls while you are sleeping? If the home is really old, it may even have the dangerous aluminum wiring.

Anyway, back to my original statement that people either act or react. You have reacted and have given the landlord plenty of time to act. I would say now it is time for you to act and secure the safety of your life and anyothers that live there too. Be direct, strong and do not back down. These are basic safety issues!

Answer 2

You should look up the state laws regarding landlord tenant relations. Go to the state govt web site and search for statutes. Some states have stricter rules than others.
I live in Florida and the landlord has more power. In places like new york, the tenant has specific rights.
Typically, the landlord is required to make the house hold livable. That means that the sewer flows out without problems, the water runs (doesn't have to be perfect, just running water and hot water is required usually, but it is gray area if it has to always work in all rooms. Electric works with obvious safety. Smoke detectors are often required, doors and windows should shut and lock, safe egress and no pests.
but enforcement is difficult sometimes.
If the electrical is a fire hazard that is a definite landlord issue to fix on him. If the electrician has left a hazardous situation after the power company has issued a compliant to the tenant. which it sounds like he did. Then the electrician is putting his license at risk and you could sue him for damages if the place burns down from it.
It could depend on if the local inspector is critical or not about these things.
The tiles and cooler arent an issue that can be forced. The washer discharge to the street could most likely be a violation.
If you call the city/county/state about the house, remember that the landliord might have a reason (allegedly besides the call) to evict you or otherwise cause you trouble. Many don't want to fix things cause they get dependent on the income from the rental for other bills and have nothing left to put into the house.
If you can talk with the landlord and he still makes poor attempts to do repairs, offer to have the repairs done, but you will reduce your payment for rent accordingly to the cost of repairs. You will probably have to get a pro to do it as opposed to making the repair yourself and billing like a pro. He probably won't go for that either, then offer to do it like that instead of making a complaint to the city building inspector.
That may change his mind.
You should have a good statement written out so you know your stuff. Be sure to point out that the electrical is a fire hazard, the plumbing is substandard and you are paying almost triple the energy cost than if the swampcooler was updated. Work on those things and see what happens.
If there is lead paint and significant mold and you have children under 12 years old residing in the house, he is required to abate immediately or you will be displaced.
So make the call if you want but finding a new place to go ahead of time may make things easier for you, or after looking around you may decide to stay put.
If he won't do repairs and things are wide open rental wise, you might hit him up for a reduction in rent for all the repairs that need done or you'll move, if you are willing. The market may offer a great house now that is as good rent.
He may have a hard time filling the place and if so may consider keeping you there for the payment.
I have seen news stories about the housing market going into a tailspin. Foreclosures and bad mortgages abound, with many people on the brink of losing their homes and rentals.
There are gobs of rentals in Florida right now. Sitting empty not earning their keep and housing sales is less than hopeful.
with prices falling. Terms have lessened as well, were I had trouble finding a place that took pets, more landlords are accepting them now.
Cosmetic fixes will always be a lost cause in these situations. If you can get him to fix the electric, mold/paint and water issues you will be doing well.

Answer 3

Move. If there is a lease you have ample reason to break it, just mail him a certified letter that detail repairs and code violations.

Mold is something you can deal with by spraying it with a dilute bleach solution.

If you are concerned about paint, then you should ask for him to purchase new paint for you to paint over the old. Only if the paint is cracked and peeling is it likely to be an issue.

Check out your state's government website for renter's rights information. As in many places he has the right to raise the rent to make up for the repairs.

Answer 4

Your rights are to "not live there" it's that simple. And, if the electric company sent out an electrician to "Jerry rig" your box to work, what country is this in? he's, or, they're breaking the law them selves.

Non of this stuff is life threatening, yes, I have to agree, he's a slum Lord but, you are renting from him, are you not. Now, to tell a judge that your going to "make him" do his repairs. I don't think so.

I would look for another place to live or, get used to it. Eventually he or, someone will buy the place and, make the necessary repairs and jump the rent up to make up for it.

Answer 5

The procedural details are going to vary somewhat from state to state. However, here are some general points: 1. A handwritten printed name is a signature; it does not have to be in cursive. 2. Even if the document does not "have effect", the owner can sue. You are behind in the rent and the landlord has the right to sue you for the rent that you already owed (before the document was written) unless pay it. 3. A contract signed under duress (for example, if someone said that they would physically injure you if you did not sign) either is invalid or can be renounced, depending on the state and various other things. 4. You do not have to let her keep you ID's and probably do not have to give them to her at all. In certain very specific circumstances (for example, if she is hiring you for a job), you are required to give her your ID's long enough to for her to look at them, see if they appear to be real or forged, and photocopy them, but not to let her keep them. 5. Passports and social security cards are property of the federal government, not of the person to whom they are issued. You cannot sell or otherwise transfer ownership of them to her.

Answer 6

Call your state heath department they should take care of it or tell you who to call. I can tell you that you are risking an eviction. You are giving the landlord a legal reason to evict you. Not because made him mad, but because you need to be out of the house for him to make repairs or so he will say. Also what ever authority inspects the house has the right to evict you also if they deem it a health hazard or fire hazard. So watch what you do unless you don't care if you have to move.

Answer 7

sure, do this ,
take a mold sample, and send it off,
then take picture of the mold,
then write your landlord,a nice letter ,informing him,
that there is mold,or stachybotrys, in your home,
also the elc,suppyu isnt up to date,and needs fix,
you have 30 day to either,upgrade it , or
we take you to court, for indangering our health, or lifes,and
demand, that you fix the problems outlined,
he has 30 days or you go to court, you will win , make sure you take lots of picture,
last ; keep paying the rent , vip

Answer 8

i know some relatives of mine ran into problems like this. you need to get the town inspectors in on it. they'll literally make your landlord take care of it pronto.

Answer 9

why?? instead talk to him and tell him if he doesnt do it u will move out, but I would suggest to move out of there