What can I do when I go to move-in and the place is not in good condition?

• If the rental does not meet your satisfaction do not move-in.
• Once you turn that key, set your stuff down, and start sleeping there you have accepted the rental “as is”.
• You should call your landlord immediately and return the key if necessary to get your needs met.
• Once you accept the unit “as is” your landlord has little incentive to fix things or make changes.

Should I report mold to my landlord?

• It would be wise to do so, however, check your lease to see if there is anything about mold.
• Some landlords require that you notify them if/when you see it because it can present a health hazard to residents.
• Regardless, it is in your best interest to take action against anything that may present a threat to your health.

Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not fix something?

• In certain circumstances, tenants may withhold rent until a problem has been remedied.
• The repairs that are needed must be serious that would justify the use of repair and deduct or abandonment remedies.
• This remedy carries the same legal restrictions and risks as the other two remedies.
• Withholding rent does not mean the tenants may live on the premises rent-free.
• Depending on the nature of the problem, tenants may be entitled to a retroactive rent deduction.
• It is wise to consult with an advisor before considering this last resort.

If my apartment is vandalized or broken into who is responsible, the landlord or me?

• If the unit is secured with locks (i.e.: deadbolts on doors and locking devices on windows), your landlord has met his/her obligations for security.
• You are then responsible for covering the damages incurred at a break-in.
• Most leases require renter’s insurance to cover the expenses of vandalism or a break-in
• When you sign a contract it usually specifies in the lease that you should carry renter’s insurance.
• This is usually available through your partner’s homeowners insurance or even your auto insurance.

My landlord refuses to reimburse me for damages to my property, what can I do?

• If the damage was not natural or caused by you (or any other tenant in your unit) then your landlord should be able to reimburse you for your losses.
• Of course, there are exceptions from time to time.
• One questionable area is theft. Tenants are usually responsible for their losses in the case of theft unless the theft is a result of the property provider’s negligence, i.e. improper locking devices.
• As far as requesting compensation, you will want to make an inventory of lost items and their “fair market value”.
• State the cause of the damage and the amount of money you are seeking for reimbursement.
• Property providers have insurance that will cover your losses. Submit your request in writing. Should your property provider disagree or refuse to pay, mediation is a good option.

What do we do when we are being charged to fix something we did not break?

• Whether or not you are found responsible for the problem will depend on the documentation of it not working since you moved in.
• Did you notify your landlord of the damages as soon as you moved in?
• Did you note what did not work on your inventory and condition report at the beginning of the tenancy?
• If you do not have the evidence it will be harder.
• Professional maintenance people are left to determine who is to blame between the tenant and the landlord.
• Your next best strategy would be to plead with the landlord that the problem always existed and perhaps you can reach a compromise with them.