Tenant Landlord With

The Rule of Thumb in YearsYou could buy the best brand name windows in the world and they are still going to eventually break down and need to be replaced. The fact of the matter is that the basic rule of thumb with windows is 15 to 20-years.

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).

Windows, like other daily-use items, wear down and need to be replaced every 15 years on average. This time frame will vary due to several factors, such as the quality of the window, climate, and window maintenance.

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.

Your landlord is responsible for most major repairs to your home if you rent privately. This includes: the structure of the property, for example walls, roof, windows and doors. sinks, baths, toilets.

A burst water service or a serious water service leak. A blocked or broken toilet. A serious roof leak. A gas leak. A dangerous electrical fault. Flooding or serious flood damage. Serious storm or fire damage.

You hear a lot of outside noise. You feel a draft, even when your windows are closed. Window frames are soft, chipped or water damaged. Difficulty opening, closing and locking windows. Condensation build up between glass layers or cracked window glass.

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.

When it comes to a rental property, however, windows that are merely drafty and do not pose any type of safety hazard are typically not a requirement for the landlord to fix or replace. That being said, if you want to attract and keep good tenants, energy-efficient windows can be a great selling point.