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NCTOFL · Feb 5, 2015, 10:19 PM

We recently rented a house that from appearance seemed charming. It has a solar heated pool. Boat lift sprinkler system, washer dryer,ETC,
Met with home owner who assured us everything worked and home was pristine ! Everything was new and updated.
After first night we noticed roaches and rats! Nothing in home works! Pool leaks water so bad we have to constantly add water every couple days. Pool pump doesn't work Solar panel does not work, Sprinkler system does not work. Boat lift hits dock. Washer don't work. Dryer won't shut off. Toilets run Drains are stopped up. AC won't cool house. The list goes on & on.
We have brought this to his attention on second day here he claimed to know nothing and blamed us for roach problem. The only thing we had moved in was some clothes at this point.
We met neighbors and was told that the last tenant broke the lease after 3 months because of same issues. The tenant before sued him for same issues described above. The owner has been aware of the issues here for at least 4 years.
Is there any thing we can do to get out of this situation legally ?

Fr_Chuck · Feb 6, 2015, 03:13 AM

Notify him of issues, demand repair.

Move, contact prior tenants to use as witnesses if he sues you.

Consider suing for any cost you are out.

You may consider hiring an attorney, and formally withholding rent till items fixed, but that may not work either.

Also issues of pool leaking, boat dock and more, is it all in the lease as working, specificly listed.

NCTOFL · Feb 6, 2015, 05:29 AM

Yes and no. In fact what the lease does say is all the things that are wrong. I will not be refunded my deposit If I cause these or leave these behind right down to rats and roaches ! We have notified him he denies everything. We have been here 1 month on the 01/02/15 Have still not moved anything but our clothes in and a blow up mattress. I do not want to risk getting bugs in my furniture. We have requested to meet him to pay rent and discuss issues. He will not answer phone or reply to text. Just a text saying rent is due!!

talaniman · Feb 6, 2015, 08:18 AM

You start by documenting everything, and put your issues in writing, and actual pictures/video if possible. If you decide to break the lease, then EXPECT to go to court, and best be represented. Most leases require you to pay rent, and give the landlord a reasonable time to effect repairs.

Have a lawyer review your issues, and advise you on this, before it gets any messier.