Missouri Letter from Tenant to Landlord with Demand that landlord repair unsafe or broken lights or wiring

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.

Landlord Responsibilities It's a landlord's responsibility to ensure that a rental property's electrical system, from outlets to light fixtures, are all operating properly before the tenant takes possession of the unit.A working electrical system, including electrical outlets is an essential part of a habitable unit.

Use an appropriate business letter format. Keep it simple. If appropriate, provide the recipient with pertinent information to help them remember who you are. Briefly explain what it is you want the reader to do.

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.

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;

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.

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.

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).

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.