Need advice~

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

I live in an apartment. Last May I had a water leak in the apartment above me. They had to take a section out of the bathroom ceiling. Its been 10 weeks now. I am tired of looking at that hole, lol. I called management, who happens to be a pia! She says she can't find anyone that can fix it?? What?? Its just drywall?? One of the workers here just quit because she was so hard to work for. I am sure thats why they can't get help. When I called her this afternoon and asked about it, she said she's busy with a family emergency and we'll talk later. Yeah, right! What to do?? I don't feel I should pay rent until its fixed. Would love some input..I am sure if I had a big, burly husband, it would be fixed, lol! Thought about calling Call for Action, its a local TV show that helps people get problems solved, lol. ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

Mistic · ‎12-08-2010

Go over her head ~ like the owner of the apartment building.

If you want to change the tenor of your interactions, you must become aware of the impact of your words...Karen Casey

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

On 7/31/2014 Mistic said:
Go over her head ~ like the owner of the apartment building.

I tried that, he referred it back to her! Grrrrr!

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

I'd do a Google search for Tenants' Rights and the name of your state or city. You should get some groups who are familiar with state and local laws and who have the experience to advise you.

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docsgirl · ‎03-09-2010

You can put your rent in escrow. All you have to do is call your local court and explain the situation. They will direct you to the appropriate court that handles problems like yours. I believe you have to send them (the management) a letter explaining the situation and how many times you requested the situation, which was no fault of yours, be remedied. The court will give you the exact procedure to follow. You tell them you are giving them 30 days to correct the problem or you will put your rent in escrow in the courts. You are paying your rent but they are not getting it until the problem is fixed. A copy of your letter also goes to the courts and they, too, will notify the management. You will be surprised how fast the problem will be corrected as they want their money. Sometimes, just the mention of 'rent in escrow' is enough to spring them into action. A similar situation happened to my friend. Her washing machine was leaking oil and water all over the floor. She fell twice. After repeated requests, along with photos of the grease and water, she told them if she didn't receive a new washer within a week, she was going to the courts to put her rent in escrow. Next day, a brand new washer arrived. Aside from them not getting their money, it doesn't look good on their record. Don't let them push you around. Your rent pays their salary. Good luck. docsgirl

luvmyteddy4 · ‎09-04-2010

When I had my pipes replaced under the house they had to cut a big hole in the bathroom wall to get to the vent that went to the roof. It was an ordeal but they had people ready to fix it. A new piece of ductwork had to cut and replaced. Then the wall had to be sheet rocked over and painted. It was a lot of work and I have a ranch so it was from the cellar to the roof.

I would check your apartment rules and get an estimate on the work. Tell them that you will fix it and take it off the rent bill. See how fast they get on it. Landlords normally have people set up to work for them and keep a maintenance crew on staff. It wouldn't hurt to talk to an atty either. That's a long wait from May and I would not want a hole in my ceiling, no telling what could get in there from outside. Do they need to fix the roof too? I would want it taped up nice and securely for now.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

Take photos, for sure. What docsgirl said is absolutely correct. My friend rented a portion of a house from a private landlord. When the furnace died (in January) she asked him to fix it. It turns out that she needed a new HVAC system, and he told her he didn't have the money to fix it. Enter renters' court. She could withhold the rent (legally) until he fixed the problem to her satisfaction. No heat in the winter is an emergency situation, however, so I'm not sure that the courts would move super fast on a "cosmetic" repair.