my windows dont open - Landlord Forum thread

my windows dont open by jess (michigan) on March 16, 2012 @20:01

I want out of my lease I have 2 windows that open in my house the rest does not including my sons bedroom, my basement windows don't lock the house is trashy, is this illegial and can I get out of my lease for this?

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Re: my windows dont open by Anonymous on March 16, 2012 @20:13	[ Reply ]

Have you reported this to the landlord in writing? I know in WA state it is illegal and if you have tried to get the landlord to fix this and he has refused then I would think you could break the lease. Check your state law though to make sure this is illegal in your state. This is a big problem in case of fire. Be sure to send your request in writing and certified mail. I would do this twice and if no response then if it was me I would move. Just be prepared to not get your security deposit back because no doubt the landlord will find all kinds of things that need to be fixed that you damaged. Hopefully you have pictures of the place when you moved in to protect yourself.

Re: my windows dont open

Re: my windows dont open by Anonymous on March 16, 2012 @20:15	[ Reply ]

Just curious if the house was trashy then why did you rent it?

Re: my windows dont open by Anonymous on March 17, 2012 @01:54	[ Reply ]

Let me be clear...NO YOU CANNOT GET OUT OF YOUR LEASE. Your LL must be given an opportunity to correct the issues with the windows, but first you must notify him in writing as other responses noted. You looked at the place before you rented it, right? And now it's trashy? If your house is trashy, perhaps you made it that way.

Re: my windows dont open by Katiekate (New York) on March 17, 2012 @06:15	[ Reply ]

You cannot get out of the lease over this... this is what you can to do: Notify the landlord IN WRITING (send a letter certified) In this letter detail the problem. Further, give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to fix the problem ...say 3 weeks (since it isn't hot yet). Outline what you will do in the event the problem isn't fixed. You can either....pay for the fix yourself and reduce your rent by that much (be sure to send receipts for the work...if you do the work yourself you cannot reduce the rent for it). OR, you can put your rent into an escrow account until the fix is done. Write in the letter which of these courses of action you plan to take and when you will take it. But... if you choose to put the rent into an escrow account...you MUST go to a bank and set this account up...this is NOT your account. You must provide to the landlord the bank name, address, phone number, account number, and the deposit slip (copy). You cannot just not pay the rent..that will get you evicted. So.. first, give the landlord proper notice and reasonable time to fix it.

Re: my windows dont open by Carlisle Leasing CO (MI) on March 17, 2012 @09:15	[ Reply ]

Jess; you contacted our office about this before and we informed you that your eviction proceedings will go through the county court due to your not paying rent. You tried to use this excuse for withholding rent and claiming fire egress violation, though this does not impede your exit issues in case of a fire. You are now three months behind in rent and the eviction hearing is scheduled for March 22. We have mailed you the appropriate notices and have your signature recorded as accepting the notices. reminder: eviction is permanently affixed to your record history.

Re: my windows dont open