Pexels – CC0 LicenseRenting an apartment can have its benefits. Of course, it’s a way to live somewhere independently even if you have to pay a landlord’s mortgage for the privilege. But it’s also true that the flexibility and responsibility on the part of the contract and obligation of the landlord can be preferable in some situations. If you have a good landlord, the relationship can be more fruitful than it first seems.
But sometimes, there can be disagreements. For example, if your landlord doesn’t effectively attend maintenance issues as quickly as they should, that can be a real problem. In this post, we’ll discuss some times you may wish to dispute an issue by documenting it appropriately, and even contacting services yourself in an emergency.
With that in mind, please consider when to dispute such negligence:
A Lack Of Hot Water
Your landlord needs to fix a lack of hot water fast. Most rental agreements consider hot water an essential service that must be maintained, so document when it stopped working and take screenshots of all communications with your landlord.
If they drag their feet for more than 24 hours, you might need to be more direct. “I understand you’re busy, but I’ve been without hot water for two days now. I need this fixed by tomorrow or I’ll need to contact a plumber myself and register a complaint for rental reprieve” can get the ball rolling, and contact your housing authority.
Save every receipt if you end up paying for repairs. Check your local tenant laws, as some places allow you to deduct essential repairs from rent if your landlord fails to handle them promptly, but don’t withhold rent without agreement because that can cause you a legal issue. Speak to the equivalent of your citizens advice service where appropriate.
Pests
Remember that pests are a health hazard not just an annoyance, despite what some landlords claim, pest control is usually their responsibility, not yours. Take photos of any evidence, including droppings, nests, or the critters themselves. These will help if your landlord tries to deny there’s a problem. Send them a written request for pest control, mentioning any health concerns.
If you live in a multi-unit building, pests are almost always the landlord’s problem to solve. The issue likely extends beyond your unit, and DIY solutions won’t cut it in that case. You can contact a supplier such as Terminix near me if you need an emergency solution.
Electrical & Gas Issues
Now, some issues you can’t wait to contact your landlord about. If it’s gas issues, leave immediately and call the gas company. Then inform your landlord. Don’t wait for permission or worry about overreacting, because your safety comes first.
For electrical problems, document it all if you can, such as taking videos of flickering lights or outlets that don’t work. If your landlord won’t send an electrician, be clear about the safety risk: “The outlet in the bathroom is sparking. This is a fire hazard and needs immediate attention.” If you have access to a fuse box, switch it off. It’s important to show you cared about preserving safety, but if you’re in any danger, leave, and warn others in the building.
Black Mold & Damp
Unfortunately, this can be common in colder countries. Take clear photos of it if you can, and note any symptoms you’re experiencing that might be related to the mold, because this can really aggravate respiratory issues. Your landlord might try to blame your “lifestyle,” claiming you don’t ventilate properly or create too much moisture, but you can counter this by documenting any structural issues causing the problem, like leaky pipes or poor insulation.
With this advice, you’ll be more confident in disputing maintenance negligence where appropriate in your rented apartment.
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