---

Posted by peter on July 29, 2000 at 04:50:31:

In Reply to: rats and rent posted by Leigh Ann on July 28, 2000 at 12:58:02:

Yes, but witholding rent is the wrong way to go about it. You should always get a lawyer if you are going to try and withold rent.Threatening to not pay rent increases is an equally effective approach. AND putting the money into an escrow is another way. Show the landlord proof of the escrow and the amounts, because you will have to pay the back rent once the rodents are gone. However witholding rent can land you into the middle of a non-payment eviction. Would you win? Yes. You do have the right to live in a rodent free enviroment.

My best real world, assertive, advice for you would be to call the landlord and tell them that you are filing a complaint with the building department and asking for an inspection of the apartment. Landlords hate inspectors, they find things and can cost lots of money. It might just scare them into doing the right thing. Reassure them that you will pay the back rent. You are obligated to.

Follow Ups:

---

Note: Posting is disabled in all archives
Post a Followup

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
: Yes, but witholding rent is the wrong way to go about it. You should always get a lawyer if you are going to try and withold rent.Threatening to not pay rent increases is an equally effective approach. AND putting the money into an escrow is another way. Show the landlord proof of the escrow and the amounts, because you will have to pay the back rent once the rodents are gone. However witholding rent can land you into the middle of a non-payment eviction. Would you win? Yes. You do have the right to live in a rodent free enviroment. 

: My best real world, assertive, advice for you would be to call the landlord and tell them that you are filing a complaint with the building department and asking for an inspection of the apartment. Landlords hate inspectors, they find things and can cost lots of money. It might just scare them into doing the right thing. Reassure them that you will pay the back rent. You are obligated to.


Optional Link URL:  
Link Title:         
Optional Image URL: 

---