Witholding rent and getting back a deposit?

If your place has damage to vital services like the toilet don't flush, the shower leaks, the drains get plugged up, the heat don't work.

Make a list of problems and send them with your certified return receipt requested letter giving him two days to fix it or your moving out. Wait 2 days. Don't pay the rent.

Take a walk. Forget your security deposit.

Some landlords are crooks, sounds like you've got one.

It depends on what state you live in-some states have habitability laws that can be enforced by the tenant-in other words, you can "repair and deduct". Others have no such protection. Not many have "withhold rent" protection. You can research this by looking up "tenant's rights...your state". Since the landlord has your security deposit already, should he/she decide to keep it, you would have to sue in small claims court to get a judgment.

Yes property must be provided fit for living and if not they are in breech of contract. You can send landlord a breech of contract if things are not fixed. Witholding rent is a breech of contract on your part. If you rented the property in this state and it was noted in defect inspection and noted by both parties prior to you renting the premesis then unfortunately you have no case. However if this happened during your tennancy agreement then your landlord has a duty of care to his tennants - all info should be on te RTA website. They can withold part of your security deposit if you withold rent and this violates your tennancy agreement.

Be sure you followed the exact, precise rent-withholding system established in your state.

He'll probably keep it and you'll have to sue in small claims court. So be sure to have lots of photos and documents to back your case.

yes...in small claims court. (breach of contract) prepare to be counter-sued.

Don't hold your breath. It'll likely be a fight.

get ready for a fight!