What should do about landlord (2014, lease, dangerous)

[Uptowngirl201469]

Back in December when I moved in. There was repairs that needed to be done. Landlord said they would be fixed asap. toilets that don't flush properly,nbroken door with a partially broken lock. Etc. I moved in because I needed a place asap because prior landlord was going back to phillipines.

Any way may 17 he finally replaced door, but removed bolt from the lock so the door can't be properly shut and definitely can't be locked at all. Despite repeated request for the door to be fixed it hasn't been. And have a dangerous neighbor across hall who is threatening people with knives etc and yes he's been arrested and now denied bond. But still leaves me without any defense and a door that can't stop even an ant from opening

Any suggestions

[ToriaT]

Others more knowledgeable can weigh in as to what you can do. I would find a way to move as soon as possible. No landlord should leave a door that can't be locked. What is wrong with him? Have you asked him, what is his response? I would ask someone to help me write a letter to him and tell him you need it fixed as soon as possible. Be more specific as to what needs to be fixed or what the problem is. I'd send the letter certified or registered mail. If all else fails, I'd probably get a locksmith and install a lock on the door and I would tell him that but making sure you also provide him a key and then see if you can deduct it from the security deposit. There might be people on here that have more experience with this kind of thing.

[personone]

Originally Posted by Uptowngirl201469

Back in December when I moved in. There was repairs that needed to be done. Landlord said they would be fixed asap. toilets that don't flush properly,nbroken door with a partially broken lock. Etc. I moved in because I needed a place asap because prior landlord was going back to phillipines.

Any way may 17 he finally replaced door, but removed bolt from the lock so the door can't be properly shut and definitely can't be locked at all. Despite repeated request for the door to be fixed it hasn't been. And have a dangerous neighbor across hall who is threatening people with knives etc and yes he's been arrested and now denied bond. But still leaves me without any defense and a door that can't stop even an ant from opening

Any suggestions

If you have all of that documented, I'm sure it would be easy to break the lease and just move out. I don't know all the legal details, but I know that things like working locks, running water, working toilets, etc are required to be provided by the landlord. What you describe would definitely give you legal grounds for breaking the lease. There are a lot of free/volunteer legal services in the city that could give you guidance on exactly how to proceed. If I were you I would just plan to break the lease and move to a safer/nicer place.

[glass_of_merlot]

Eh....you need to get out of there asap. What are you thinking? Your safety should be #1.

[MSchemist80]

If he fails to make timely repairs I believe you have the right to make them yourself or hire someone and deduct it from rent.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

If he fails to make timely repairs I believe you have the right to make them yourself or hire someone and deduct it from rent.

This.

If you have written records of having notified him of a health or safety issue and he fails to act, you have the legal right to implement repairs yourself and deduct them from rent, providing him with the receipts. You can't do things like intentionally go with the most outrageous bid you get for the repairs, and you can't deduct your own time (with the possible exception of if you're licensed to do that sort of repair and the bill comes from your company). But with proper notice - usually two weeks, although it might be less for certain kinds of repairs - you can do the repairs yourself and bill him.

If you go that route, I recommend sending him a certified letter about the issue, keeping a copy yourself with the receipt from the certified mailing, and then proceed as needed. It's certainly cheaper than moving, although you have to weigh your own peace of mind against that, too.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

If he fails to make timely repairs I believe you have the right to make them yourself or hire someone and deduct it from rent.

This.

If you have written records of having notified him of a health or safety issue and he fails to act, you have the legal right to implement repairs yourself and deduct them from rent, providing him with the receipts. You can't do things like intentionally go with the most outrageous bid you get for the repairs, and you can't deduct your own time (with the possible exception of if you're licensed to do that sort of repair and the bill comes from your company). But with proper notice - usually two weeks, although it might be less for certain kinds of repairs - you can do the repairs yourself and bill him.

If you go that route, I recommend sending him a certified letter about the issue, keeping a copy yourself with the receipt from the certified mailing, and then proceed as needed. It's certainly cheaper than moving, although you have to weigh your own peace of mind against that, too.

If you want to remove the time of mailing from it, you can also serve him written notice in the presence of a witness if you can see him in person. It's also a good idea to keep records of any phone calls you made. These weigh less in court, but help establish your attempts to communicate with him.