Rules for Repairs
Can someone please tell me the rules for repairs made in a rental apartment? I am a tenant and my landlord always has his brother-in-law making repairs. Generally, they are shoddy enough that repairs must be made to the repairs or are just coverups, instead of actually addressing the issue. What are the legalities in…
Can someone please tell me the rules for repairs made in a rental apartment? I am a tenant and my landlord always has his brother-in-law making repairs. Generally, they are shoddy enough that repairs must be made to the repairs or are just coverups, instead of actually addressing the issue.
What are the legalities in terms of having a licensed contractor? Does that stand for any and all repairs? For a certain type of repair?
As an example, in the last year, I’ve had windows replaced and a counter top replaced, both my the BIL. The windows were “finished” by nailing up salvageable pieces of wood and slats of a thin balsa-looking wood. Never painted. The counter top was placed on a known and visible rotting counter.
In considering signing a new lease, I want to require a licensed contractor for any and all repairs but want to make sure that I’m not ignoring anything.
Please advise.
Kelly, if everything about the place is pretty good, then with items like the counter top, do it yourself and attempt to recoup documented expenses when you move. If he won’t pay you or the new tenant won’t buy it from you, remove it.
Things like the windows remain your landlord’s responsibility. Problems like the repairman wrecking your belongings when repairs are underway is firmly your own responsibility. Get stuff out of the way, put down a drop cloth and hover while the worker is there. Good workers always clean up, but many of them have a “I’m not paid to clean” sensibility.
Make stuff that’s essentially “unessential” (ie, the counter) your own responsibility. Problems like a non-working sink are the landlord’s.
Incidentally, NYC is unique in requiring stove and fridges from landlords too. In most other parts of the country, you have to provide your own.
Have you talked to the LL about perhaps doing this stuff yourself and the lack of quality job that the BIL is doing?
When I had an apartment situation similar to yours — ie: many positives but my landlord was useless with repairs, we just did it all ourselves, and I mean it all. Fixed a hole in the ceiling, sanded the floors, painted, etc, etc. It was to our satisfaction and on our terms and there was no grudge to the landlord. I guess the only exceptions in my mind would be plumbing, heat and appliances.
This is not a rent controlled or stabilized building.
It’s a good sized two-bedroom with separate living room and kitchen. Closet space is good, location is great. I know the rent is great, even with him wanting to raise it to $1280. But, since I’m paying on my own and at the top of my bracket right now, it’s rough to take any increase.
Honestly? Everything about the place is pretty good, despite shoddy repairs. The main issue is the landlord and the main question is if my sanity can handle even one more year in the place. Right now, I’m trying to weigh my options and determine what rights I might have, especially when it comes to repairs.
If rent is so cheap (and r/s) then do repairs yourself and pay for it.
If market rate..just move already. Unless your issues are non-working plumbing, lack of heat /hot water, or vermin you probably won’t get to far in court.
Frankly you sound like a complainer….time to buy your own place.
Is this a rent controlled or rent stabilized apartment?? What is the rent you are paying?? Many people may comment that this has nothing to do with the situation but many people also don’t live in the real world!!!
Why wouldn’t you move, Kelly? Just picking up and leaving is one of the great privileges of renting. In this market, there are some great rental deals out there. Take the neighbors you like and leave the landlord to find some new suckers.
The responsibility of the landlord is fairly minimal. The standard is safe and habitable, not sturdy, good-looking or well-done. Your only right in this case is to vote with your feet. You don’t like the “value” offered, move. Someone else will live in the shanty for the lower rent.
You can’t dictate a business strategy to the owner.
Seriously? If I refuse entry to the repairman, the landlord doesn’t have to make repairs? What if the landlord has told me that this particular repairman steals, which is why he isn’t allowed in any apartment without supervision? What if the repairman, due to lack of prep and planning, caused damage to my belongings during past repairs?
This is a four apartment building. The landlord does not live in the building and there is no super on the premises. I and another tenant sweep hallways, shovel, garden, keep the front and back clean and habitable.