What to Do When Landlord Responsibilites are Neglected

One of the most unfortunate and stressful situations you can run into as a renter is dealing with a landlord who neglects his or her landlord responsibilities. Your best bet is to be well informed before you move into a new apartment through researching your potential landlord’s reputation. The reality is you probably won’t realize you’re renting from a negligent landlord until after you’ve signed the lease when issues and maintenance begin going unresolved or unrepaired. In such a case, take whatever measures you can.

Start Documenting Everything

If you’ve approached your landlord with an issue that has not been solved despite follow up on your end, write it down. Be sure to document the date and time you submitted the original complaint, when you followed up and how your landlord responded (even if it’s just the words they exchanged with you over the phone). With any maintenance related issues, take as many pictures as you can of the problem. If the issue escalates, especially in cases where the landlord is neglecting serious repairs, photographs and written documentation will be your best defense should you have to take them to court or pursue other measures.

Follow Up

While it’d be nice if follow through occurred after asking only once, sometimes it simply doesn’t. You might have to put in a little more effort if you want to see changes made. A landlord cannot really be called negligent if he or she has failed to comply after you’ve only asked once. However, ask a second time (or a third), and then there is a legitimate problem. You might have to become that annoying tenant who is constantly calling or knocking with problems.

The best thing you can do is send certified letters to your landlord with your complaints. Not only are you refusing to back down, you’re also creating documentation that can be used in court. If you won’t go away, the landlord is eventually going to have to deal with you. While you’re following up with your landlord, also be doing your research. What are the landlord tenant laws in your state? Familiarize yourself with them, especially those that pertain to your particular situation. Arm yourself with knowledge you can use when communicating with your landlord and making your case.

Take Extreme Measures

What are extreme measures? They’re everything from putting your rent in escrow until the problem is fixed, taking your landlord to small claims court, contacting the local health department or local housing department (namely for building disrepair issues and possible code violations), or even contacting local media if you think there’s a larger issue that should potentially be exposed. You can also seek legal counsel and sue your landlord should enough evidence be present of their wrong doing. What you choose to do largely depends on your exact situation and the amount of time, money and effort you’re willing to invest in making things right. Do your research. Read up on local laws and know your rights.

Weigh your options carefully. As a last resort, you can always attempt break your lease and rid yourself of your negligent landlord once and for all.

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Rachael Weiner: I’m a communications professional for a non-profit, which financially necessitates my status as an apartment dweller. Constantly “on-the-go,” I’ve resided in five different apartments across the United States over the past five years. Roommate issues, budgeting, organizing and handling problem neighbors are my specialty.