Landlord Problems... (apartments, rental, appliances)

[VaughnK]

Live in a residential home broken up into two apartments.

Problem #1 - We only have one meter reader for both apartments, so the other tenant and I argue about who owes what for the BG&E bill. I asked the landlord about installing a second meter reader for my apartment and she told it cost $5000.00 and she cannot afford it.

Problem #2 - My gas oven broke and I called my landlord about getting someone to take a look at it. Again, she told she could not afford it and I should use a toaster over. She also suggested for me to buy my own oven and take it with me when I move.

Is this legal? Do I have any rights?

[dawnlajoie]

Look at your lease and see if it states that the landlord is responsible for upkeep of the appliances. I know most of the time they are, but I would assume she would know your rights and her responsibilities before saying these things to you.

[Mrs. 14th & You]

From the MD Bar Association at http://www.msba.org/departments/commpubl/publications/brochures/landlordtenants.htm

[SIZE=2]If something in the rental unit needs repaired, then the landlord is required to repair it, however the tenant must notify the landlord about the problem in writing.[/SIZE]

U.S. Legal Digest has this to offer:
A Landlord is obligated to keep the premises in repair, to the same standard as existed when the tenant initially leased the premises.

It appears that on the face of it, you may have recourse. Read over your lease carefully and do some more online research. Often, sending a carefully worded (but not threatening) letter by certified mail showing that you have done a little legal research is sufficient to frighten small-time landlords into compliance.