What to do if my rental is falling apart?
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What to do if my rental is falling apart?
I have been living at the same residence for over 3 years now. It is a duplex. For the past 10-12 months I have been telling my landlords about various problems that have been popping up regarding our house, including the siding on the house above the garage was so old it actually started to buckle and warp so that you could see a hole above the garage; all the electric sockets hardly work; the others sides water usage is charged to our bill; the plumbing is bad (pipes are starting to leak). Can I contact someone about this?
Asked on September 25, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Every residential lease (written/verbal) contains what is known as an implied "warranty of habitability". This is legal guarantee that gives a tenant the right to live in a safe and clean rental. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, a tenant may:
- Repair and Deduct - repair the problem and then charge the landlord for the cost of the repair;
- Terminate the Lease - end their tenancy and vacate the premises; or
- Withhold Rent - refuse to make any further rental payments until the repairs are properly made.
As a part of all of this, you can also contact a the building department in your locality and see if it will send someone out to inspect your residence. Their finding can act as strong evidence of your claim.
Before pursuing any of these remedies you should first consult with a landlord-tenant attorney. If you fail to follow proper procedures you could be held financially liable for attempting any of these self-help measures.
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