my wall in my bathroom fell in and my landlord wont fix it can i refuse to pay rent and not get evicted?
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Answers:
Post this in the "legal" section; I'm sure you'll get better answers. But, yes, not only CAN you report him you SHOULD. He's a slum lord and I don't care what kind of excuses he makes, he has a legal responsibility. Don't withold rent without talking to someone legal, though. Don't do anything that could jeopardize your case.
Other Answers:
take him to court and sue his A$$ for all he's wort!
The question you want to be asking yourself is "Why do I still want to live here?"
Move out, to a place that has walls.
Then, your landlord pretty much has to fix the bathroom if he ever wants to rent it again.
So you get a new place to live, and your revenge, too.
you can refuse but he won't let you stay if he refused maybe e thinks it's your problem so check out what your options are:
1.refuse to pay and probably get evicted
2.fix the wall and stay
3. leave and give him the chance of blaming you for the damage(or not)
4.or if he's nicer than you described stay and refuse to pay rent and be allowed to stay !
Call your local housing authority they will help you. I believe in CA if a place becomes condemed you get some of your rent back. Not positive. Also some lawyers will consult you for free. Or you can sign up for pre paid legal its about 20 dollars a month and they will take care of everything. You can cancel at any time.
You haven't said why the wall fell in.
I do believe that if it was your fault or malicious damage by you or a visitor of yours, you are responsible. If it was normal wear and tear or neglect by the owner it's not your responsibility.
I also think that the states have standards for livability and rental property must meet them or the owners get in trouble.
Perhaps he's not fixing it in hopes that you will leave and then he can repair it and charge the next tennant a higher rent.
You should have a local housing authority or renter's rights advocate you can contact.
This is a heath hazard/safety issue! It is his duty to make sure the dwelling he is renting is SAFE! Report him at once to your local housing authority. Depending on where you live, if the housing authority cannot help, they can direct you to someone who can. Also, he cannot evict you without at least a 30-day notice. But it seems to me that you have an issue here more than just eviction. If necessary, take him to court! You don't have to tell him; just do so. If you have tried working this problem out with him and he refuses to do so, he can be reported for renting out property for human dwelling that is unsafe. Find out your rights! He's not going to tell you what they are and is probably hoping you don't have the guts to find out on your own. You can also check with the Sheriff Department, the Fire Department, and your local Commerce. They all have information with contact numbers for people in your situation. You don't have to live like this. Also, when you find someone to help you, explain to them about your non-payment of rent and WHY and WHEN you decided to withhold rent. They can then suggest what you need to do. Not maintaining property so someone will have to leave is unlawful eviction. Also explain to them about your increase in utility bills and dangers of rats/rodents entering the apartment. Believe me, if you just up and leave with no outside help/proof, he will try to withhold your security deposit, by stating that you left without notice. Anyone you call, talk to, meet with ..keep dates, times, names, places as proof. TAKE PICTURES --- LOTS OF THEM! That may be your strongest proof. Have your cancelled checks of proof of rent until time of this event. Also, proof of your security deposit. Take your lease with you. The lease usually specifies what is considered to be the landlord's responsibility. Even if it doesn't, the law states certain responsibilities for tenants and landlords. Take any witnesses with you. If you have neighbors, family, friends, associates that can actually go to your place and SEE the damage, take them with you to court as witnesses to the damage. You can't go wrong with too much proof. The more, the better. I care about what happens to you. Email me and let me know. You deserve better!!
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