Ut Letter Landlord

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.

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.

The NSW tenant factsheet states that urgent repairs, including blocked toilets, are the responsibility of the landlord. When urgent repairs are required, the tenant must notify the landlord as soon as possible - preferably in writing.

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).

As stated in the Landlord and Tennant Act 1985, it is the landlord's responsibility to maintain their drainage, pipes and other areas of plumbing. If a drain becomes blocked through tenant misuse however, then the tenant is liable for the cost of repairs.

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.

When you rent, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the functional aspects of your home such as plumbing, electricity, and heating. Landlords must also generally take action when flooding, a clogged pipe, pest infestation, or other problems occur.

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.