[cnh512]

My 21 month old son cut his finger on my front window that is cracked. I took him to the hospital since I could not get the bleeding to stop. I have told the maintenance man at my building about what happened. He told me according to the landlord it will cost me $30 to replace the window. Am I responsible for replacing the window? That is just one issue I have many problems within my apartment that never gets fixed or even looked at including the fact that there is no smoke detector in my apartment, I thought that was against the law? I have mold in my apartment , my a/c breaks every other week and he refuses to get a new one he just has a temporary fix for it. Things are falling apart... Every time you talk to the landlord he is a complete jerk and rude. I wish I had the money to move out but right now I don't. Any ideas how to resolve this legally?

[ScottGem]

First, ANY question on law needs to include your general local as laws vary. Many areas do require smoke detectors, but the responsibility for installing them may vary.

No its not your responsibility to replace the window unless you were responsible for breaking it. On the mold issue, you may need to get a health inspector in to force him to get it fixed.

[kalliereann]

Scott is correct.

They will have documentation of the property condition.
If the window was not broken and it is proven to be a result of you or your son's actions - you are responsible. Also, they may charge $30 for each repair. Some leases have a "repair fee."

Make sure you are aware if there is a mold clause in your lease.
In certain areas of the country (such as where I live), mold is more prevalent and can be prevented by tenant actions. I signed a paper saying I would move clothes around in my closet in the back and circulate air flow so humidity does not build up. Clean windowsills with bleach if I notice any mold. Use the fan in the bathroom when taking hot showers, etc.

I do not know where you live, but the A/C thing could be a real issue if you live in an area that has high temperatures for a certain period of the year. Then that is a habitability concern.

[excon]

I have many problems within my apartment that never gets fixed

Hello c:

Rather than speak about one item, you need to learn HOW to manage your tenancy so that your landlord DOES what he contracted to DO. It's VERY easy to hold a landlords feet to the fire IF you know how. You need to READ your lease a couple of times and you need to read your state landlord/tenant laws. They're short... The third thing you need to do, is communicate with your landlord by CERTIFIED MAIL only.

You HAVE a LOT of rights, but you can't get them if you don't DEMAND them. A good example would be that, depending on where you live, if you have PROPERLY informed your landlord of a problem and he DOESN'T fix it, you can fix it yourself and deduct the money from the rent... But, it needs to be done LEGALLY.

excon

[cnh512]

I live in South Florida the temperatures down here are high for most of the year. A working A/C is an absolute must have

[twinkiedooter]

Excon has made some very salient points that you need to follow to the T to get anything done you must do it in writing as verbal requests seem to fall on very deaf ears where you live. This way you can have the items fixed and then deduct from your rent LEGALLY. Then you won't have any more problems. Also the mold problem needs to be addressed immediately and fixed immediately. The county will happily inform your landlord after they inspect your premises and demand that he fix the problem or face stiff fines.

[ScottGem]

First, please don't use the Comments feature for follow-up. That's not what it was intended for. Please use the Answer This Question options.

If you lease includes A/C then he has to repair it, so you need to check the lease.

As noted, you document all your requests for repairs. If repairs are not handled in a timely fashion, then you inform the LL that if they are not repaired you will have the repairs done and deduct them from your rental.

Check with your local Housing Dept. Many have handbooks of tenant rights that show what you need to do to protect your rights.