I have lived in the same apartment for over a year. When I moved in some of my lights didn't work and some of them also had wires hanging out. My landlord said he would have it fixed shortly for me. Well it still has not been done. Between that and the mold growing under the sink and around the windows of my house it feels like a hazzard. To top it all off I have a whole in my bathroom ceiling where a heat light fixture is. I took out the light but am not happy about being rained on every time I go to the bathroom. My landlord just always says he will get to it. Well after speaking with other tenants I have found out that he has not responded to anyone's complaints. What can we do to make him fix it. Can I withhold rent until my home is dry and safe? I live in Oregon and it rains constantly here. At midnight I hate having to kick through the wet towels to get to the bathroom. I would move but I can't afford it. Please help.

Most cities have a Renter's Association that will tell you what your rights are in that specific city.

That being said, if you have a lease, double check what the wording in on your lease for dispute resolution. I know that in some cases, reports of problems must be submitted in writing for them them to be valid reports of problems. If there is no lease, or you have followed what you are supposed to do on the lease, in many cases you can submit your rent to the courts to be held against repairs being done. You can NOT withhold rent... you can just redirect it in such a manner that repairs must be completed before the landlord can receive the money.

Also... if there is open wiring and a leaking roof, you may be able to contact your local housing authority. I would honestly call a lawyer on this. Many lawyers will give you a free quick analysis of your rights on the phone.

I am NOT an expert in any of these areas... I've just had problems with a bad landlord in the past, but that was many many years ago. Hopefully someone else will have better advice or a more specific source for you to refer to.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kattygirl

I have lived in the same apartment for over a year. When I moved in some of my lights didn't work and some of them also had wires hanging out. My landlord said he would have it fixed shortly for me. Well it still has not been done. Between that and the mold growing under the sink and around the windows of my house it feels like a hazzard. To top it all off I have a whole in my bathroom ceiling where a heat light fixture is. I took out the light but am not happy about being rained on everytime I go to the bathroom. My landlord just always says he will get to it. Well after speaking with other tenants I have found out that he has not responded to anyones complaints. What can we do to make him fix it. Can I withhold rent untill my home is dry and safe? I live in Oregon and it rains constantly here. At midnight I hate having to kick through the wet towels to get to the bathroom. I would move but I can't afford it. Please help.

---

IF you are up to date with your rent, you may want to consider a trip to Housing Court. They will listen to what you have to say and if they feel you are justified, will accept your rent money and hold it until the landlord brings his property into compliance. Bring pictures of the problems, copies of any letters you may have sent him, and a copy of your lease agreement. See if you can get other tenants to do the same. Taking money out of the landlord's pocket may make him move faster.

A lot of good advice if you live in a big city where they have housing courts and renters association. But to be frank 90 percent of America does not have these things, you have the no association to give you advice , no legal aid departments and no housing court ( you have state court or small claims court)

You are basically stuck with trying to get a buiding code inspector in and see if they will cite the owner of the property or you sue them for performance of contract ( lease)

Our town for example is a town of 5000 people, there is not even a public dedender, attorneys in town are assigned cases to do.

In the county the building inspector is a part time man who owns a local construction company. There is nothing for a renter to do except hire their own attorney or try to represent thierself in regular court.

So hopefully you live in an area with supports, but most don't