Luxury Repairs

[AudreyK]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oklahoma

I signed a new 12 month lease on an apartment in July of this year. The day we moved in we noticed the a/c was leaking. Immediately we notified our landlord. He said put a bowl under it and he would get it fixed. It is now September. The a/c is still leaking. It's located in my closet so I can't close the closet door without knocking over the bowl. Also, the washing machine leaks, the dishwasher leaks, the garbage disposal doesn't work, and the light and fan in our living room does not work at all. I've told the landlord about each thing as it has come up and I remind him of it everytime I see him. Which is nearly everyday b/c we don't have mailboxes and I have to go to his office to get my mail (another reason that I'm frustrated with this apartment.)

I know these are not amenities my state requires a landlord to provide in an apartment (a/c, dishwasher, washer/dryer), but I pay more than places around here for those luxuries. I know I can submit in writing a request for him to repair this and deduct it from the rent. However, I looked into it and all of the problems added together exceed the cost of one month's rent--which is the dollar amount limit. So, I don't think that's an option. I don't think I can do constructive eviction b/c these problems don't make the apartment uninhabitable.

I just don't know what to do. I'm so frustrated. I hate getting wet while I'm trying to pick out my clothes in the morning. I hate walking into my apartment and not being able to turn on a light. Ugh. What should I do?

 

[acmb05]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oklahoma

I signed a new 12 month lease on an apartment in July of this year. The day we moved in we noticed the a/c was leaking. Immediately we notified our landlord. He said put a bowl under it and he would get it fixed. It is now September. The a/c is still leaking. It's located in my closet so I can't close the closet door without knocking over the bowl. Also, the washing machine leaks, the dishwasher leaks, the garbage disposal doesn't work, and the light and fan in our living room does not work at all. I've told the landlord about each thing as it has come up and I remind him of it everytime I see him. Which is nearly everyday b/c we don't have mailboxes and I have to go to his office to get my mail (another reason that I'm frustrated with this apartment.)

I know these are not amenities my state requires a landlord to provide in an apartment (a/c, dishwasher, washer/dryer), but I pay more than places around here for those luxuries. I know I can submit in writing a request for him to repair this and deduct it from the rent. However, I looked into it and all of the problems added together exceed the cost of one month's rent--which is the dollar amount limit. So, I don't think that's an option. I don't think I can do constructive eviction b/c these problems don't make the apartment uninhabitable.

I just don't know what to do. I'm so frustrated. I hate getting wet while I'm trying to pick out my clothes in the morning. I hate walking into my apartment and not being able to turn on a light. Ugh. What should I do?

Notify the landlord in writing of each of the problems and follow your states laws on repair and deduct. There is nothing stopping you from repairing one thing each month and charging that to the landlord. You do not have to do them all in the same month.

You do have to give the landlord time to repair though before you can use repair and deduct.

 

[MIRAKALES]

Tenants should issue written notice of damages to LL and request repair within thirty (30) days. Obtain estimates of the cost of repairs from a general contractor. Initiate small claims action if repairs are not attended to within thirty (30) days. Request compensation to have the repairs performed based upon the general contractor’s estimates.
Although these items are not issues of habitability, the air conditioner, dishwasher, washer/dryer, garbage disposal, light/fan, etc. are included in the lease agreement and should be in good working condition. The lease agreement should specify that all appliances, fixtures, and apparatus are presented in good order and working condition.