Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

questions & answers

Question: My landlord does not fix things (like my stoves/ovens). What is the process of having fixed myself and deducting it from my rent?

Answer: Obligations of Your Landlord Safe Environment Landlords must provide several things in exchange for rental payments. One of the most basic and important requirements is that your landlord provide you and your family with a healthy and safe living environment. Your living environment includes your apartment or home, and any common areas the landlord owns and holds open to residents. Things Your Landlord Must Provide The law specifically states: Your landlord must keep all appliances, which they supply, in working order. Your landlord must provide you with a way to dispose of garbage. Your landlord must make it possible for you to receive running water, including hot water. Your landlord must supply everything they promised in the lease. They can only shut off your utilities in a few very limited situations. If you rent a home, your landlord and yourself can agree that you will perform the maintenance on the property. You must, however, be given some consideration, such as being paid or having your rent reduced. Repairs Costing Less Than ½ Month’s Rent or $300 If a rental unit is in need of minor repair(s), and the damage(s) were not caused by the tenant, tenant’s family or guests, the landlord will probably be responsible for making the repair(s). The law requires you first give your landlord written notice of the problem, stating the landlord has 10 days to make the repair(s). If the landlord fails to make the repair(s) after 10 days and the cost of the repair(s) will be less than the greater of ½ month’s rent or $300, you must hire a licensed contractor and get a lien release and either forward the bill to your landlord or pay for the repair yourself and deduct it from your next rental payment. A copy of the bill and the lien release must be included with your rent.

Question: My landlord does not fix things (like my stoves/ovens). What is the process of having fixed myself and deducting it from my rent?

Answer: Obligations of Your Landlord Safe Environment Landlords must provide several things in exchange for rental payments. One of the most basic and important requirements is that your landlord provide you and your family with a healthy and safe living environment. Your living environment includes your apartment or home, and any common areas the landlord owns and holds open to residents. Things Your Landlord Must Provide The law specifically states: Your landlord must keep all appliances, which they supply, in working order. Your landlord must provide you with a way to dispose of garbage. Your landlord must make it possible for you to receive running water, including hot water. Your landlord must supply everything they promised in the lease. They can only shut off your utilities in a few very limited situations. If you rent a home, your landlord and yourself can agree that you will perform the maintenance on the property. You must, however, be given some consideration, such as being paid or having your rent reduced. Repairs Costing Less Than ½ Month’s Rent or $300 If a rental unit is in need of minor repair(s), and the damage(s) were not caused by the tenant, tenant’s family or guests, the landlord will probably be responsible for making the repair(s). The law requires you first give your landlord written notice of the problem, stating the landlord has 10 days to make the repair(s). If the landlord fails to make the repair(s) after 10 days and the cost of the repair(s) will be less than the greater of ½ month’s rent or $300, you must hire a licensed contractor and get a lien release and either forward the bill to your landlord or pay for the repair yourself and deduct it from your next rental payment. A copy of the bill and the lien release must be included with your rent.