A leaking roof, a dripping faucet, cracks on walls, and doors improperly hinged are not the sort of things you want to go home to. Anyone who lives in and pays for a flat would at least expect a home conducive to relaxation. You would want to sleep comfortably every night and not be disturbed by domestic problems, no matter how trivial they seem.
As a tenant, it is your right to ask for repairs, but this right is bound by limitations indicated in the lease contract. The request for repairs is often limited to major repairs that are not caused by your negligence or carelessness. Force majeure, such as the destruction of parts of your home due to calamities, is what a landlord may cover in terms of repairs.
Nevertheless, there are landlords who deliberately refuse to make the repairs. In such a circumstance, it is important to understand how the due process works and what options you have.
Options if a Landlord Refuses to Make Repairs
1. Call the health inspectors. With the presence of health officers, you might compel your landlord to act immediately. After all, it is his responsibility to provide a comfortable home for his tenants.
2. Repair and fix the problem yourself. Call a professional and just have the fee deducted from your rent. Another option is to withhold the rent until your landlord concedes to the repairs.
3. Ask for legal help. If your landlord still does not budge, then you could move out and find a more decent flat and a more accommodating landlord. The last and perhaps the hardest but wisest decision you could make is to seek the help of a lawyer. Experienced attorneys from Rainey Collins Lawyers explain the importance of working with a professional who knows how the law works and what to do to resolve the problem legally.
You deserve a comfortable home. After all, you are paying the rent. Know your rights and responsibilities, as well as the things you can do when problems arise.