tenant rights

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What are landlords responsibilities when a broken pipe makes bathroom unusable?

“I live in a four story brownstone with an individual apartment on each floor. A pipe on the first floor burst and they had to shut down the water and assess the issue. A plumber came by this morning, but was unable to resolve the issue. Currently there is no water to the bathrooms, meaning no functioning shower or flushable toilet.

I understand from conversations with the plumber that this has been a big issue recently because of the weather, so there are a lot of busted pipes and people without water. The plumber indicated that because of this, there is a huge backlog of work. So that they wouldn’t be able to address the issue (which they think requires taking out a wall and putting in new pipes on the first floor) until next week.

What are the landlord’s responsibilities in this situation where the bathroom is unusable for a prolonged period of time? Assuming this isn’t fixed in the next day or two, can I deduct anything from rent for loss of habitability or ask that he cover a hotel? It’s unclear if this was something beyond his control, or if the pipes were damaged because of neglect (he’s been lax to make repairs in the past).

Thanks for any suggestions.”

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Water Damage, Need Advice:

“I will give a brief overview because I am not sure what to do or how to proceed (or if there are any other actions that I can take). In October, I discovered the ceiling of my roof was leaking and I filed a maintenance report and was informed the issue had been resolved. In November, the leak reappeared to the point where it soaked through my pillow and onto my bed. I filed another report and maintenance came in and inspected. Early December, it happened again and since this time I have moved my bed to prevent water damage. My bed is now blocking entry to my closet.

I followed up and was informed that they were working to determine from where the leak originated. Essentially the management reported that it was not the roof leaking; however, the ceiling in my apartment is still damaged; there are several water stains and the ceiling is cracking. I recounted the incidents in written form to my landlord and the response was “we are working to resolve the matter and the roof is not the issue.” I appreciate that the matter is “being worked on.” Nevertheless, this has been ongoing since the beginning of October and for the past three weeks my bed has been inside of my closet. I am trying to determine what my course of action should be. I know by DC standards the issue must be addressed but I am wondering if there is a clause that states it must be within a timely manner. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.”

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Seeking advice on dealing with my rental company:

“I recently moved into a studio apartment in the Petworth area. I’m renting a newly renovated English basement unit which is part of a medium size apartment complex currently undergoing renovations. I wasn’t originally looking for a basement unit as light is important to me, but this place has a full wall of windows with wide window wells. When I looked out the windows, the grass line of the small backyard was at eye level and there was quite a bit of natural light. This seemed like a big advantage for me as opposed to most basement apartments.

However, this Friday during a rare work from home day I heard the construction crew drive up to my window area with a large truck. When I looked outside to see what was going I saw them dump a truck load of gravel over the entire back yard area and realized they had started building a partial brick wall right up from the window wells, blocking my view and sunlight. I went out and inquired and they told me they were making a parking lot. I just moved into the apartment complex one month ago and the rental company never mentioned their plans to build up a wall and make a parking lot. Today I came home to my apartment for the first time since Friday morning since I haven’t wanted to be there. It was a beautiful day, but instead of adequate light coming through like previously the apartment was much darker. I feel very mislead by the company. I’m sure they had this plan in the works longer than just the month I have lived there. (more…)

Landlord trying to raise rent but refusing to make housing code repairs:

“Hey all. So I’ve been living in the same apartment for a few years now. Landlord wants to raise the rent. I told him i’m not willing to pay higher rent if he’s not willing to make certain repairs. Some of these are repairs I think are mandated by the housing code, including repairing: peeling paint, holes in the wood flooring and loose floorboards that have developed over time through wear and tear, gaps in would paneling in the floor through which ants get in, and gaps in the windows which similarly allow in insects.

I’ve taken photos, shared them with the landlord, who seems to think there’s no problem there and told me to pay up or else.

I think my move here is to contact the housing inspector and get him on record (although i’m hoping the threat of a housing inspection will get him in line). It also turns out he’s not registered as landlord with the proper office in DC and probably has an illegal basement apartment. All reasons I’d think a sensible landlord would back off and make the repairs.

Anyone have any experience with this? Can I withhold rent once the housing inspector finds violations?”

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

No security deposit, what can the landlord charge?

“We moved into an apartment 3 years ago, and are planning to move out in a couple weeks. The landlord is going to do a walk through inspection, and I am curious if the landlord can charge us for things beyond wear and tear if there was never a security deposit collected. There is some fraying to the carpet, holes in the wall where we mounted a television, and a few dings here and there on the walls, but nothing really other than that.

I am a little nervous, as moves are expensive to begin with and I just want to get a grasp on what they can charge us for. I have heard some mixed info that carpets have to be replaced regardless between tenants and walls have to be repainted anyway, so can they charge for that?

I looked through the DC Tenant Survival Guide and most of this applies if you have a security deposit, and how to not get nickled and dimed, but this building never charged us a deposit. What really makes me nervous is that this building just changed ownership and is now managed by Bozzuto, one of the reasons we are leaving.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks!”

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

Getting a Security Deposit back:

“I moved out of my apartment over 3 months ago and my landlord still has not returned my security deposit. He has said via email he has mailed a couple checks to my new address but none have shown up. I know legally he was required to return it within 45 days, but I’m not sure what the next step is to enforce this. Office of the Tenant Advocate? Department of Consumer Affairs? Small Claims court? Anyone have experience seeking a legal solution?”

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