Tenant Landlord With

Filing a complaint with state or local health or building inspectors (who may fine a landlord who fails to correct the problem within a set amount of time, or actually condemn the property in severe cases) suing the landlord for the difference between the monthly rent and the value of the unit with defects, or.

One way to get your landlord to fix bad conditions is to withhold all or some of your rent until the landlord actually makes the repairs. This is called "rent withholding." Tenants have a right to withhold rent because landlords are obligated to provide safe and habitable housing under the warranty of habitability.

Dear (Name of landlord or manager), I am writing to request repairs to the (appliance, heating/air conditioning, plumbing issue be specific!) due to (reason for repair; this could include things such as broken handle, leaky sink hose, even normal wear-and-tear that would necessitate replacement).

The landlord had a duty to reasonably maintain the property; The landlord knew or should have known of the dangerous condition; The landlord breached their duty by failing to repair/fix the dangerous condition;

To give you an idea, it's in good taste to start your letter "Dear Mr./Ms. Insert Name Here," as is the case with any polite letter. No matter how much you might want to give your landlord a piece of your mind, do yourself a favor and refrain from calling him a slumlord.

Clearly, state what you demand to be repaired by the person. Mention the period since it has been causing a problem and that it is high time. Without being too harsh, the letter is written as a warning to the person. Address the person well.

Know your state's landlord/tenant laws. Read and respond to the court summons. Try to work out a settlement. Consider legal counsel. Show up for court. Look sharp and provide evidence.

Uninhabitable conditions can include dangerous ones, such as holes in the floor, unsafe or exposed wiring, or non-working air conditioning in dangerously hot summer months. Gross infestations of roaches, fleas or other pests are also uninhabitable conditions.