Repairs and safe homes
A home has to be safe to live in
Heat, water, working locks and a roof that doesn't leak are part of the deal in most places. When a landlord stalls, the order you do things in matters: ask in writing, keep proof, then use the tools your lease and local rules give you.
A landlord who answers a repair request with a notice or a rent increase may be breaking a rule against payback. Tell us what you asked for and when.
What we help with
No heat or hot water, and broken furnaces
Leaks, mold and water damage
Broken locks, doors and windows
Pests, wiring and anything a city inspector would flag
In this order
Four moves that protect you while you wait
Ask in writing
A text or email counts. Say what is broken, when it started and what you want done.
Photograph it
Take dated photos and video, and keep them somewhere your landlord can't reach.
Keep paying, or ask first
Pay rent unless a lawyer tells you otherwise, or pay it into the place the rules name. Stopping can hand the landlord a case.
Call the right office
A city code office can inspect. We help you decide whether to call, and what to do if the landlord answers with a notice.
Repair questions, answered plainly
Can I fix it and take the cost out of rent?
Only in some places and only after certain steps. Doing it too early can backfire, so ask us before you deduct anything.
What if the landlord says it's my fault?
Photos and the date it started usually settle it. We help you gather them.
Can they raise my rent or end my lease because I complained?
Many places treat that as payback and forbid it. Tell us when you complained and when the notice came.
Tell us what's broken and for how long.
A short message and two photos are enough for a lawyer to tell you what to do first.