i have a few issues no return call landlord & more please HELP

[itchylovebug]

What is the name of your state? I live in Pennsylvania.
We moved into an apt on December of 2004. We have asked our landlord several times for a copy of the lease we signed he has never given us one.
2. We have been calling him concerning, water leakin from the faucet on the tub,two burners on my stove are out.Lights in laudry room out. At one point all the lights in the hallway were out we took it upon ourselves (my bf and I) to replace all the bulbs in the hallways.HERES THE KICKER. Our mailbox when we moved in had no key to it. We told our landlord then he gave me run around no key then one day the door was ripped off it. Now my mail is gone through daily items stolen when I order things in the mail and opened and they take what they like and leave the rest for me, how sweet !
The landlord had told us a few months back that he was going to replace the mailboxes. The post master even told me the same today. My question is that can we legally with hold rent for any of this?
also can he charge 25.00/day after 5th day rent is late? Can he evict you if your rent is late more than 15 days? Not that we are were not but in case we can with hold rent I need a place for my family we have a 9 month old child.thanks

 

[fairlight]

See a lawyer before you withhold rent. Doing so will generally get you evicted. Call the local Bar Association. They sometimes sponsor free legal advice clinics.

What does your lease or rental agreement say about being late with the rent? Many, if not most, landlords charge late fees, and it's perfectly legal. Sure you can be evicted if your rent is late. Tenants can't expect to pay whenever they decide to.

Call the city building inspector about the other problems.

 

[LindaP777]

You can not leagally withhold rent for repairs. You can get the court to hold the rent for you until the repairs are made.

 

[itchylovebug]

THanks

Thankyou for your help on this matter. I understand about renters cannot just with hold rent anytime they choose. I was really concerned about the eviction thing if I did with hold it.
I have a baby to take care of and well not much is avalible in my area to rent.I mean the house is not falling apart or infested (not my apt. anyway). I just wondered what I could do to get in contact with my landlord and I thought if I with held rent this would get his attention but I do not want evicted.
It does state on my lease (which he has of yet to supply us a copy of, almost a year later) that if rent is late more than 15 days its an automatic eviction. That was my concern also.
Guess I will have to deal till he get in contact with us! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

 

[treese]

No eviction is automatic. The LL must file through the court and receive a judgment in order to evict you.

By withholding the rent, he will file an eviction for non-payment against you. If you think that there is not much in your area available to rent now, the pickings will get real slim with an eviction on your record.

Notify the LL of the repairs needed in writing via certified mail - return receipt requested. The LL must be given a reasonable amount of time to make the repairs after being notified in writing. It is the proper way to notify the LL and leaves a paper trail.

If the repairs are not made, you may be able to repair and deduct the costs from the rent. You have to get the landlord's consent in writing in order to repair and deduct.

None of the issues that you mention make the apartment uninhabitable.

 

[itchylovebug]

thanks treese

FROM PENNSYLVANIA

Thanks treese for the information.
I have tried to send my landlord papers in the mail to no answer.

I do remember in the lease it said we can not make repairs and be reimburesed for them.

I do not remember what all was on our lease. We have requested several times a copy of our lease and he never gave us one.

But I do know I signed one. I know my landlord is a liar from several things he stated to me then they were wrong. So I do tell people he's not a good landlord he lies to get people in his building. He is a problem for other tenants too not just me! I thought it was ME!

thanks renai

 

[HomeGuru]

FROM PENNSYLVANIA

Thanks treese for the information.
I have tried to send my landlord papers in the mail to no answer.

I do remember in the lease it said we can not make repairs and be reimburesed for them.

I do not remember what all was on our lease. We have requested several times a copy of our lease and he never gave us one.

But I do know I signed one. I know my landlord is a liar from several things he stated to me then they were wrong. So I do tell people he's not a good landlord he lies to get people in his building. He is a problem for other tenants too not just me! I thought it was ME!

thanks renai

**A: please read your L/t law. You need to send written notice.