If your landlord fails to fulfill his or her duties as stated in your rental or lease agreement, put your complaint in writing, and if possible take pictures of the problem situation. Be sure to keep copies for your records, because if your landlord does not respond to your complaints, you'll need all this documentation to show that you made an effort to resolve the problem. Typically, your landlord will respond to the first series of complaints. If your landlord does make repairs, thoroughly inspect and document the process to make sure repairs are done properly.
If your landlord does not respond to your complaint in 24-48 hours, you should formally submit another complaint by certified mail. This way, in the worst-case scenario that your landlord is still unresponsive, you can take legal action against him or her. If the problem is severe enough, you may need to move out, or arrange for the repairs yourself (you can deduct the cost of repairs from your rent payment). Constructive eviction is the legal concept that allows you to leave a property that is uninhabitable.
To start resolving problems with your rental property today, use Rocket Lawyer to create your Complaint to Landlord. You can also use Rocket Lawyer to Consult a Legal Pro for any landlord-tenant disputes
Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
