My family moved into a house in Kansas, and we've had some problems since moving in. The house had been empty for a couple of years, so we were anticipating some minor glitches--no big deal. However, once we moved in, there were some more MAJOR glitches that we discovered! We attempted to fix them ourselves, but when that failed we thought we should call the landlord.

We have been unsuccessfully trying to reach them for the entire month, the problems that are here STILL need to be addressed, but I don't want to just hire someone and send them the bill, because I don't think that's very nice to do to someone.

From what I understand of the KS laws, EVERYTHING that is provided with the house, MUST be kept in working order or the landlord is in breach of contract. Our own contract clearly states this as well, but when we can't reach the landlord--how are we supposed to report the problems? Our contract also states that the landlord must be contacted prior to bringing in a professional to do work on the place. I realize that our landlords have never been a landlord before, and that they are farmers in a busy time of year--but when there are MAJOR plumbing problems, shouldn't I be able to hire on a plumber to fix them, regardless of what the contract says if REASONABLE efforts were made to contact the landlord?

Some of my family is telling me that I am being too picky--because apparently having an air conditioner/heater that doesn't work and a bucket under the sink to catch water that pours out of the pipes are "nonessential" items that shouldn't be worried about... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: We also have a bathtub that doesn't hold water (giving a shower to a squirming 14 month old is difficult in a 1'6" wide shower/tub), and the ductwork needs cleaning so that it stops pumping large amounts of dust into the air--we changed the filter (and I've vacuumed out the ducts as best I can), so it's not that. The tub needs new groutwork, the old groutwork is cracked out and mildewing (I have no idea if it's leaking or not).

I dunno...does anyone have some suggestions for me? Am I being too picky? Should I try to take it to court as small claims or something? Or should we just move out? Does anyone know of any times when you can move without giving a 30-day notice? We can't afford to move out and pay rent for two places for a month--and I've already found another place to live with "real" landlords this time, but it may not be open in a month unless I pay for it and the current one too. As hard as it is to find housing in this area, we can't afford to screw around!

I believe it is lawful in most states to go to a bank or a lawyer and set up an escrow account that you can put your rent into that the landlord can not touch until the work is done. Send him a certified letter that this is your intention so he can not try to evict you for non payment. His not receiving the rent should get his attention.
If he would happen to evict you call the board of health so that hopefully he is unable to rent it out again until the work is done.
Document everything days, times and purpose of attempt to contact.