Landlady has made no repairs needed in my apt yet wants rent no kithcen sink 4 2wks? Should I pay the rent??

Question

My pipies under my sink busted 2 weeks ago, my tub was painted with house paint and is peeling, i have no mailbox key and the lock is busted so my mail is avail to anyone, i have no screens on my windows so its hot i cant even open a window for air without gettin attacked by bugs!! and i dont even have a shower tub only. after i signed the lease she said it is a " shower free" community.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you are in the US, and since you didn't indicate which state you are in, start here:



http://www.hud.gov/renting/tenantrights.cfm



Select your state, and you should find a link to (at the least) your state's legal Code for regulation of Property, Landlords and Tenants.



For example, in the state of Virginia, this would be the state legal code that is applicable:



http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC55000000013000000000000



I agree that you might not want to just withhold rent, because that may not be legal in your state, even when the landlord is not fulfilling their obligations.



This page might also be helpful, for laws on tenant's rights:

http://realestate.findlaw.com/tenant/tenant-repairs/



Call your local housing authority, and find out what actions you should take. They should be able to help you!



Also, carefully read your lease agreement! There might be a hint in there as to what you can do. Most landlords use the standard lease agreement form supplied by the state (or a close approximation of it).



Good luck.

Answer 2

well without paying the rent you wont have any apt. i would pay it but also contact the health dept to come and evaluate the conditions. some times the threat of them comming can get some things started but if you saw the conditions before signing the lease i am not sure of your legal footings. if it was agreed that those things would be fixed then hopefully its either in writing or with a non- relative as a witness- the rental broker ? if it was verbal.

Answer 3

I wouldn't pay the rent. You have rights as a renter, so check with the city to get some help. Renter's rights vary from city to city, that's why you should check. She cannot evict you, so don't be afraid to wait on the rent. You need to tell her, in writing, that you are not paying the rent until the repairs are done. Save a dated copy for yourself, you might need it later. Good luck.

Answer 4

Check with your local Landlords and Tenants Act. I know that this will be different for different areas of the world. in this document (hope you like reading) it outlines each party's obligations to the other, and should explain your rights quite clearly.



I had to hire a professional to come in and make the repairs to an appartment i lived in. i paid the bill, and witheld that much from my rent, and submitted a copy of the bill to the landlord, along with an exerpt from the landlord tenant act, showing my right to do so. there was no argument.



know your rights before challenging someone who provides you with shelter. you don't want to piss someone off on account of ignorance.

Answer 5

i would call the local boared of health on her and no i would not pay my rent.put it aside until all the damage is fixed.then if she decides to take you to court you can tell the judge the rent is in the bank until the repaires are to be done and she cannot evict you.

Answer 6

you can go on rent strike



but



you have to tell the landlady first



and



you have to pay (yes you do) the full rent to a 3rd party who will keep it safe for you.