Unresponsive landlord - any advice?

Question

I understand this forum is mostly for landlords but I'm a tenant stuck with a not-so-nice landlord. He wouldn't respond to my emails/phone calls for basic repairs (eg leaking toilet). He only shows up to collect rent. Would say he'd fix things but then disappears without trace until next month :(

What are my options? I was thinking of getting the repairs done myself and deducting it from the rent. What are the pros and cons of doing that?

If not that, what else can I do? I can't wait for the lease to get over but have eight months left on it unfortunately.  Please advise if you can. thanks

Michael R. · Answer

What is the problem? Not saying this is the case with you but I have had tenants who call for every little thing and after a while I disappear and only collect the rent or fix big issues affecting habitability or safety. This might not be your case but just throwing it out there. A leaking toliet-while it is great you notified him if he choses not to fix I wouldn't worry as he gets the water bill.

Big issues (health safety)  your in NYC so call the city inspectors NYC is very landlord friendly and it will get his attention.

Mitch Kronowit · Answer

Check your lease AND your state laws. In California, a landlord is allowed a reasonable amount of time to perform a repair, but if he fails to do so, the tenant can call a repairman and deduct the bill from his rent.

Check, verify, confirm.

George P. · Answer

Some LL go as far as making the tenant responsible for all the maintenance - that is why you gotta know what you're signing

Maryann L. · Answer

What does your lease say about how to contact him for repairs? Mine says "in writing" and mailed.

Are they urgent repairs or something that can wait a bit?

We usually respond to urgent repairs within 24 hours.  Some other things have taken us 2-4 weeks.  So if a dishwasher needs a part, it could take a month.

You cannot have repairs done and minus out of the rent unless that is written into your lease.  We reimburse for things the tenant does themselves.  It NEVER comes out of the rent.  We at one time had a tenant try to do that and we returned the entire check and charged a late fee.

Sorry, I'm just playing devil's advocate.

George P. · Answer

What does your lease say about repairs?