i have been without heat for 13 days, am i entitled to a break on my rent?

Question

heat went out in my apartment christmas eve. there was a delay for someone to check it out because of the holidays (understandable). they sent a guy out and he said i needed a part. They called me back 5 days later and said they needed the model # off the unit to order the part. he didn't get it when he was in my house 5 days ago. that's why im pissed. so now im going on my 13th day and i feel really inconvenienced. i have a toddler. on nights its really cold i have to send him with family.  do you think i could get  a break on my rent or would they just tell me to suck it up?

 my landlord did offer me space heaters but i bought my own in case this happens again. they dont beat central heat tho i assure you.

BoomChikkaBoom · Accepted Answer

They have been responsive to the situation and even offered you space heaters.  Yeah, it's a bit of an inconvenience but landlords only have a duty to repair ... they don't have a duty to make sure everything is perfect 100% of the time. 

You can always ask, but honestly, if I were paying for the repair and the part and offered you space heaters, I wouldn't be offering you a break on the rent too.  People have survived for thousands of years without central heat. Those space heaters can really heat up a closed room.

Anonymous · Answer

Not only are you entitled to a discount on your rent, you are legally entitled to break the lease. Every state in the country requires landlords to keep the leased property "habitable".  Not having heat in the winter is something no judge would tolerate.  Tell them they have 24 hours to fix the problem or you will. Do this in writing and deliver it by hand. If they don't fix the problem get a licensed, bonded HVAC repairman  to do the work. When the work is completed they may send an invoice to the landlord or they may expect you to pay (find out before the work is begun).  If they require you to pay you can deduct it from the rent. Also, contact your state's real estate commission. They'll have a document for the public outlining a landlord's responsibilities to there tenants and the public.

Whitney S · Answer

if they are a good company,the will offer you a concession.if it is still not fixed let them know how displeased that you are and that you will be putting your rent into an escrow account until the issue is resolved.13 days is completely unacceptable.i am a maint supervisor and we have an on call to person who handles after hours and holiday emergencies.that heeds to be handled a.s.a.p.if they give you a hard time,you can call their home office,or call the housing authority.good luck.

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i have been without heat for 13 days, am i entitled to a break on my rent?

3 Answers