Re: Maintenance/Withholding Rent - Landlord Forum thread

Re: Maintenance/Withholding Rent by Wilt on December 28, 2011 @07:52

The repairs you seek would not be the landlord's responsibility in many leases, including mine. They are minor items.
Does your lease have a repair clause telling you what repairs you are responsible for?

If I rented you a place with a broken disposal, I'd buy and replace the disposal with a good one from HomeDepot for about $75.
The ripped screen? Are you kidding? No big deal.
Leaking faucets probably need a new washer. Buy a pack of washers for a dollar. The faucets new are probably about $50 -80. each. I'd prefer to do them for you so I know I have the ones I want in my property.

Now then again if you ripped the screen and were abusive on the fixtures... I'd probably be more interested in getting you out.

You said: "I am a great resident who pays my rent on time and takes great care of the property."

It seems to me that you are tight for money after the holidays and are seeking ways to not pay the rent. As a great resident, you refuse to take care of minor things. That's why I try to rent to former home owners who agree to take responsibility for the property in addition to just paying the rent.

The items you listed are laughable and have no connection with the habitability of the home.

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Re: Maintenance/Withholding Rent by MrDan (Georgia) on December 28, 2011 @09:44	[ Reply ]

Florida landlords are required to comply with all building codes. The garbage disposal falls under this requirement as does the leaking toilet and the torn screens. The window latch falls under also as a security requirement per law. * a kitchen sink, lavatory, shower, and water closet in good working condition and properly connected to an approved water and sewer system—plumbing fixtures and water and waste pipes must be free from defects, leaks, and obstructions; *exterior screens maintained without rips or tears; "The items you listed are laughable and have no connection with the habitability of the home." Yet Florida law does recognize these as 'warranty of habitability' items under housing codes.

Re: Maintenance/Withholding Rent by Eric (MN) on December 28, 2011 @11:39	[ Reply ]

Most of these items would fail a basic housing inspection. Therefore, the house would be considered inhabitable. Section 8 would refuse to pay rent in these cases, and you could not evict due to the repairs. I suspect that most courts would see it the same. This is a case of a slumlord managing the rental property.