I live in New york, I was without hot water for 6 days, because my landlord drags his feet when doing anything. I wanted to take off the money from the rent for the 6 days my kids and I were without hot water. Can he kick me out? And also can he lock me out of the house?

He can evict you. He cannot lock you out of the house.

On the other hand, you do not get to decide how much rent you pay. Your rent is what your rent is and that only changes if your landlord agrees to it.

If you are without hot water, call the local tenant board. They are not particularly fond of slumlording.

I would pay the balance of what you owe (basically the amount you decided to take off your rent) and make a complaint to your housing authority.

If they investigate and decide to make the landlord pay you back a certain amount, great. But as stevecg said you are not allowed to decide to pay less than the full rent.

There are certain steps you must take before you decide to withhold rent.

This site should be very helpful.


Withholding Rent Due to Bad Conditions Legal Information Letter