My landlord was aware of the main level French Window latch being broken, which happened during our stay. He looked at it, even sent a handyman to try and fix it, but he couldn't. Handyman suggested calling a locksmith, but landlord was hesitant due to the cost. Landlord said he'll ask around the community for best fix options. 2 months passed, nothing. I sent him a text saying I was going to get a carpenter and have them fix it, adjust it with the rent. No response.
A few days ago, the French Window downstairs also had it's latch loosened, and this became a huge security issue as that door leads to the road directly. I notified the landlord of the same via email, as he was out of the country, with photos and videos of the issue. I went ahead and called a locksmith to fix both French Windows. They charged over $300, which I paid, but I forwarded the invoice and receipt, along with photos of parts changed to the landlord via email.
Come rent payment time, I deducted the costs of the lock repair and made the payment. Landlord first asked me for proof of repair etc., I reminded him it was in the email. Now he disagrees that it should be his expense, and I should have borne it. He didn't appreciate my calling a locksmith, rather than a regular skilled carpenter who would have been cheaper. He pushed for just using a stick to block the door from sliding, instead of a latch. He apologized that he was traveling and couldn't address this.
I gave him 2 months before he traveled to address this. If he thought a skilled carpenter could fix it for cheaper, he should have called one. We renewed the lease with a verbal understanding that the French window latch (main level) would be fixed, for which a handyman was sent, but in vain.
With the broken latch being a security issue, and the landlord not responding or making any further effort to fix it, and with my heads up via text that I was going to get the main level one repaired - who's responsibility is it, ultimately?