Ask Me Help Desk - Landlord Problems

I signed a lease on the 5TH of this month and was told it would be ready to movein the 11TH, for fixing up the place. On the 11th I met with the landlord and got key, mind you nothing was fixed in my place, garbag ever where. I cleaned and moved in the 12th. To this day nothing has been fixed in my place. I call and call and still the same, will be down. But nothing, know I am told not to call the landlord anymore , but to the maintenance people for my problems. And still I get no resonce to anything. The place was found in viction code for nasty garbag everywhere, which nothing has been cleaned up.
What can I do, Can I hold the rent until it done. Can I get hiom in trouble. These are just some of the problem. Any help would be great .Thanks.

Main front door locks broke
My front door lock broke
2 windows broke
1 window don't lock and opens itself
Heaters don't work
Heater knob broke
No screens on any windows, (windows like 85-90length)
Bathroom sink holding by 2 screws,kitchen counter top not nailed in at all
Nomolding around tub(brown stuff leaking down)
Garbag every where,outside,in hall way

I have a 4yr old , and I am stressed on what to do.
Thanks for your help. Located in NY:confused: :(
Also found out there is no renters certi.

If you get an attorney and sue them in court, an escrow account could be set up that you pay the rent into unto the repairs are fixed.

Call the code inforcement ( and to be honest you should not have moved in if they were not fixed)

If you don't have locks on the main front door or your own front door and if the non-locking window would allow someone to break in then I would immediately get a locksmith there and have them fixed. Then deduct that amount from your rent and send them a copy of the receipt. As for the other issues, put them in writing and send the list by regular mail and certified mail, return receipt requested. In the letter give them 5 days to do the repairs, and tell them that if the repairs are not done in 5 days you will have them done yourself and you will deduct the cost from the rent.

If you have issues that affect your security (like doors and windows that won't lock) then you are entitled to take emergency action to fix them.

Lisa and Fr_Chuck are so right on the security issues, don't hesitate! As for what you can do to get your landlord in trouble... there are a couple of things. While moving when nothing was fixed is never a good idea, sometimes circumstances prompt us to take risks we'd otherwise avoid. I don't suppose you took pictures of the mess when you got there? One of those disposable cameras that stamp the date on the picture would have done fine and come in handy if it turns into a legal matter, but for now check with your local housing authority about your rights. NY is a big place, but each state has laws that protect tenants, whether they're enforced well is another story. If you're unsure of where to start, check out where your city taxes are paid. They might be able to point you in the right direction. Also, if you don't have a copy of your lease agreement, get one. You may need a lawyer or a friend who's at least familiar with property law to explain it. Another thought, you might contact someone from 'equal opportunity housing', though it doesn't apply in your case they're likely to know who might be able to help you. Other then that, you can really only do what's been previously suggested. Those things may prompt him to try to evict you, but it's muddy territory as long as you keep the receipts and dates, you'd be able to prove what you did wasn't just reasonable it was necessary! Good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amandalo25

I signed a lease on the 5TH of this month and was told it would be ready to movein the 11TH, for fixing up the place. On the 11th I met with the landlord and got key, mind you nothing was fixed in my place, garbag ever where. I cleaned and moved in the 12th. To this day nothing has been fixed in my place. I call and call and still the same, will be down. But nothing, know i am told not to call the landlord anymore , but to the maintenance people for my problems. And still I get no resonce to anything. The place was found in viction code for nasty garbag everywhere, which nothing has been cleaned up.
What can I do, Can I hold the rent until it done. Can I get hiom in trouble. These are just some of the problem. Any help would be great .Thanks.

Main front door locks broke
my front door lock broke
2 windows broke
1 window dont lock and opens itself
Heaters don't work
heater knob broke
no screens on any windows, (windows like 85-90length)
Bathroom sink holding by 2 screws,kitchen counter top not nailed in at all
nomolding around tub(brown stuff leaking down)
Garbag every where,outside,in hall way

I have a 4yr old , and I am stressed on what to do.
Thanks for your help. Located in NY:confused: :(
also found out there is no renters certi.

Fr Chuck and Lisa have addressed the rest of this but if there is no renters certificate they cannot collect rent from you in NYS - so call your local Housing Inspector and/or Zoning Inspector. They will force the apartment to be brought to compliance. I don't recall if you have a lease or not but you can be evicted so that the repairs can be made and there is no guarantee you can get back in after the repairs are made - of course, do you really want to live there?