Montana Letter from Tenant to Landlord about Landlord's failure to make repairs

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).

Calling state or local building or health inspectors. withholding the rent. repairing the problem, or having it repaired by a professional, and deducting the cost from your rent (called repair-and-deduct) moving out, or.

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.

Repairs. Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to: the property's structure and exterior. basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains.

Make sure the repair is actually your landlord's responsibility. Document the problem thoroughly. Ask your landlord in writing to make the repair. Send your landlord a letter with return receipt requested.

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.

If you think your landlord is violating the Fair Housing Act, you can get that landlord in trouble by filing a complaint at HUD.gov. Your remedy for breach of quiet enjoyment is to terminate the lease and move or sue in small claims court.