Rent Abatement for no Heat

[katjonjj]

Actually the LL must provide heat BY LAW in all states. Most states say the heat must be fixed within 24-48 hours. I would ask for the cost of the heaters, any extra costs, and suffering! LL's shouldn't get to act like slumlords and get away with it. However, you waiting for two months was wrong. You should have written a request within a day or two then followed up with a letter withholding rent until it was fixed!

[Ultrarunner]

Just make sure you know the law...

Withholding rent here can be risky and often provides the rent must be deposited with the court...

There is also repair and deduct a remedy that I seldom come across these days.

Plus, breaking the lease without penalty for habitability breech...

The poster has lots of options...

No A/C in January isn't likely to have the same urgency as August...

Always have to be careful because City-Data does not offer/provide legal advice...

Here is a link to the State of California website regarding repairs, rent withholding etc...

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/l.../repairs.shtml