Is my landlord responsible for fixing items in the house that were already broken when we moved in?
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Is my landlord responsible for fixing items in the house that were already broken when we moved in?
There are holes underneath my kitchen sink that lead to outside that are now allowing the growth of mold inside. I am unable to keep anything under the sink due to the condition. Also when it rains my back door leaks a lot of water onto my kitchen floor. The handle on my faucet in my bathtub is not attached at all and falls off whenever you touch it; very dangerous for my 5 year old to wash his hair under the spicket.
Asked on August 7, 2011 Kentucky
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Your landlord is responsible for repairing the items you are discussing in your question. In all states there are laws requiring the landlord of rented units to provide safe and habitable places for his or her tenants to live in.
The items that you have written about were existing before you moved into the unit you are renting and they potentially could be a health hazard for you and your five year old due to the water intrusion.
You need to contact your landlord immediately and request that those items you have written about be repaired and that they were existing when you moved in. If the landlord is not responsive, contact your local health department and building-code department and request an inspection of your unit.
If a written report is made by these two governmental entities citing code violations, your landlord will be required to make the necessary repairs within a set time period or be subject to penalties and fines.
You might be entitled to a rent reduction due to the poor conditions of the unit you are living in.
Good luck.
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Your landlord is responsible for repairing the items you are discussing in your question. In all states there are laws requiring the landlord of rented units to provide safe and habitable places for his or her tenants to live in.
The items that you have written about were existing before you moved into the unit you are renting and they potentially could be a health hazard for you and your five year old due to the water intrusion.
You need to contact your landlord immediately and request that those items you have written about be repaired and that they were existing when you moved in. If the landlord is not responsive, contact your local health department and building-code department and request an inspection of your unit.
If a written report is made by these two governmental entities citing code violations, your landlord will be required to make the necessary repairs within a set time period or be subject to penalties and fines.
You might be entitled to a rent reduction due to the poor conditions of the unit you are living in.
Good luck.
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