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My landlord drives me nuts. The place is good, in a good location, very cute. But she never fixes anything... you have to bug her repeatedly. None of it is a working problem. For example, the ceiling fan in my bedroom's motor is burnt out. It makes a horrifically loud noise if you turn it on. It's the peak of summer. It's been six weeks. I'm still bugging her about it.

I'm doing a rent by owner because of my giant dog. None of the managed company rentals in this area will rent to me (trust me, I looked).

This is driving me freaking nuts. There are all sorts of little broken things - a light in the bathroom, a frame around the window, etc. Nothing that would qualify my fixing it and deducting from rent (or I would do it).

It's like, do I want to pay $200 to replace a ceiling fan, deduct from rent, and then possibly lose out on that money and upgrade my landlord's property... or not?

I've seen (in landlord tenant cases) where light fixtures were considered non-essential (because you could get a lamp) or where they were.... It's 50/50.

[This message edited by hurtbs at 5:47 PM, August 19th (Monday)]

Sounds so frustrating hurt! If you did fix it and save the receipts could you in fact deduct it from the rent? I mean if she doesn't want to fix it and you do, then you should at least get credit for it. I hate landlords like this. They would not like it IF they had to wait for something to be fixed.

If you did fix it and save the receipts could you in fact deduct it from the rent?

I was going to suggest this. Read the fine print in your rental agreement and definitely suggest it to her! When you suggest it, I would offer to get two quotes before having anything done, so that she knows you're not just going to go crazy with the bills.

In my state you have to give them 30 days in writing to fix it and then can fix and deduct. HOwever, it's only for necessity things and much more vague on what is considered to be cosmetic - in other words, they tend to be in favor of the landlord. super frustrating.

Same frustrating situation going on here (((hurtbs)))

I know it could be much worse, I am just whining.

I've seen situations where AC or Heat broke, mold, leaking water, bugs, etc. People having to move and then sue for deposits...

This is all minor annoyance shit. Still, I was at a place where if it took more than 24 business hours non-emergency, 1 hour emergent, and 5 minutes "oh my god water is leaking from the ceiling" it was a catastrophe!

Just double checked with my dad who did landlord tenant law in this state for years. He said that essentially, landlords are expected to provide heat in winter and air in summer (if there is a central unit, not expected to maintain window units), fix broken windows and locks, fix leaking water, and keep the property free of pests and vermin.

In other words, if I fix the fan and other stuff landlord doesn't have to reimburse me.

Doesn't have to, but if you have a positive relationship, you can always ask.

I have asked, she says no - that I wil spnt too much money.

Just keep bothering her and writing letters so you have documentation. This way you have some leverage if anything ever went to court.