Problem with Repairs

[juber0]

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

Hey All

New to the community. Lovin' it so far. Ok let me give you the short story.

My bathroom door is comming completly off. Well, sorta. The back of it is comming off when I pull the door open. A long time ago they came and stapled the area. However, once we closed the door, it would jam. So we basically have to yank it open. The bedroom door is doing the same. Except, its not comming off in the back, but there is a split down the door and the top part is starting to jam, so we have to forcefully open that door. Now I am sure this is a fire hazard.

Now comes the fun part. I submitted a work request on 7/7/2008 asking for repair. They called and said they would come on the 10th of the month (7/10/2008). I wait, and they don't come. I submit another request on 7/16/2008. They stated they would come on the 20th (7/20/2008). Finally I submitted a Non-Certified letter (via the repair box) on 07/21/2008. No response. I now submitted another work order on 08/02/2008. THis one stated that it would be the last conversation before I speak with a higher power (EG Lawyer, Legal Aid or file a claim in civil court. ) With the documentation mentioned, do you believe that I have a case that would hold up in Small Claim's Court? I can with hold my money and sent it to the Clerk of Courts.

I know long story I was never good at short stories. I await a reply.

 

[Hot Topic]

I hope by withholding your money, you don't mean that you're anticipating withholding rent because that's a good way to get yourself evicted.

 

[juber0]

According to Ohio Law, a tenant can withhold rent ONLY through the clerk of courts and MUST NOT act in bad faith. By sending these request letters I have not acted in bad faith.

 

[FarmerJ]

Your alternate higher power can be your local county /city inspections desk or sometimes your local fire marshall , Contact them and tell them you have doors that are falling apart and not opening easily any more and are wondering if they can look at it since one of the doors would be a means of faster escape regarding fire. If they can they will examine the doors and cite the owner to repair or replace them. IF they are not able to come out then take pics and send any further communications about the problem via confirmed mail delivery.

 

[BL]

Let the housing inspectors write up an order to repair .

Bathroom door not closing all the way is a privacy issue , not a fire hazard .

Bedroom door same way .

You need to use common sense until they are repaired .

Some landlords will not repair / replace until ordered to do so .

These are not entry doors , and the LL could have a period of 60 days or longer to repair/replace .

 

[applecruncher]

While a broken bathroom door and a broken bedroom door are irritating and affect privacy, these things are not safety hazards, and they do not make the place uninhabitable. Furthermore, it’s been a month – not all that long.

You've kept decent documentation, and while you can look into putting your rent into escrow, I doubt the rent escrow clerk will allow it. In my city they look closely at what the issues are and how long it’s been since your initial repair request.

I think you’re being impatient and petty.

 

[juber0]

Well the problem is that I have been trying to get everything repaired until I move. My lease expires December 1. So I want everything repaired BEFORE I move.

 

[applecruncher]

Well the problem is that I have been trying to get everything repaired until I move. My lease expires December 1. So I want everything repaired BEFORE I move.

That's BS. Look at the calendar - today is August 5. So you talking about December doesn't make any sense. I don't believe you wanting to repair everything by December 1st is the problem - the problem is that you're spoiled and impatient and you want things done when you snap your fingers. You moving Dec. 1 has nothing to do with anything.