Landlord Ignoring Tenant Issues

[artifactguy]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Several tenants in the six-flat building I live in have complained to the landlord that the building does not provide hot water in the showers. There are no other issues that demand inspection and resolution.

This problem has been occuring since October and we have been politely asking for this to be solved.

The landlord stated he had the pipes "rodded" to fix the problem, but that did not do anything.

What is the best way to solve this problem?

Thanks

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Several tenants in the six-flat building I live in have complained to the landlord that the building does not provide hot water in the showers. There are no other issues that demand inspection and resolution.

This problem has been occuring since October and we have been politely asking for this to be solved.

The landlord stated he had the pipes "rodded" to fix the problem, but that did not do anything.

What is the best way to solve this problem?

Thanks

**A: so you are telling us that since October, several tenants have had NO hot water in the showers? What is the real story here?

 

[artifactguy]

That is correct. Four of the six tenants have had NO hot water in their showers since October. The only way to get a small amount of hot water sufficient to take a quick shower is to flush the toilet as that somehow frees up some hot water.

The lease states that I (we) need to write a certified lettter, receipt requested, to ask the landlord to fix the problem within 24 hours or else we can pursue certain remedies.

One of those remedies if we stay is to deduct an amount from the rent that we feel represents hot water loss. However, I am not sure what is a safe percentage to use.

Any assistance you can provide is appreciated.

 

[Warped]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Several tenants in the six-flat building I live in have complained to the landlord that the building does not provide hot water in the showers. There are no other issues that demand inspection and resolution.

This problem has been occuring since October and we have been politely asking for this to be solved.

The landlord stated he had the pipes "rodded" to fix the problem, but that did not do anything.

What is the best way to solve this problem?

Thanks

This may be out of place but... You might be able to fix that problem yourself if you have anti-scald valves on your shower. If your building uses hot water radiators for heat then you probably have anti-scald valves and you can try the following AT YOUR OWN RISK AND EXPENSE!

You probably have a single knob that controls the hot and cold water, right? If not but you have 3 valves (1 hot, 1 cold and 1 to activate the shower) then check the valve that turns the shower on in the same manner. Otherwise leave it alone.

1: Take the knob off of it. It won't just slide off so look for a screw underneath a cap at the end that just snaps on. Remove the screw underneat that.

2: Look at either side of the valve stem that will now be exposed. If you see a screw that appears to be loose, turn it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise then test and see if you have hot water in the shower. If it warms up some but not enough, give it another 1/8 of a turn counter-clockwise. Depending on the brand of valve you have, that screw may turn clockwise or counter-clockwise. Just be sure to not turn it more than 1/4 turn at a time and then let the water flow for several minutes to see if it warms up and adjust accordingly. Good luck and again, YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND EXPENSE!

 

[ylen13]

That is correct. Four of the six tenants have had NO hot water in their showers since October. The only way to get a small amount of hot water sufficient to take a quick shower is to flush the toilet as that somehow frees up some hot water.

The lease states that I (we) need to write a certified lettter, receipt requested, to ask the landlord to fix the problem within 24 hours or else we can pursue certain remedies.

One of those remedies if we stay is to deduct an amount from the rent that we feel represents hot water loss. However, I am not sure what is a safe percentage to use.

Any assistance you can provide is appreciated.

it seems u answered your own question. Notify landlor of the problem with certified letter if he don't do anything in reasonable time give him up to 48 hours then hire a plumber and have him fix it. Deduct the expense of the plumber of your next month rent.