Is there a statute for renters rights regarding water shutoff in rental property?
99137
Depends on the city and state.
869550
I do not live in Illinois - but have been a renter for many years.  I would think that it is in the best interest of the landlord to provide preventative items such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.  I have included a link to the Attorney Generals web page in Illinois - hopefully that helps, might also check with your library - they will have the laws spelled out better.\n\nhttp://www.ag.state.il.us/consumers/landlord.html\n\ngood luck!
880729
Every state landlord/ tenant laws different. I own apt buildings in two different states and closing escrow on another one within a few day. So I know landlord/ tenant issues.\n\nI'm not a lawyer or paralegal but I know contract law and work with them all the time so I'm rather knowledgeable on lease laws. \n\nFrom your question it sounds like you have no written agreement with your landlord. That is why the judge didn't here your side. It doesn't matter who you had rented the apt from originally. \n\nOwners change property managers often but it doesn't change anything for the current tenants unless they resign the agreement.  \n\nAnything not in writing come down to his/her word against yours. Being he owns the property you have no legal standing to the property except as a renter.  \n\nI'm surprised the judge didn't tell your husband that and also that he was in violation of the law. A renter can not hold back rent to blackmail the landlord in fixing something. If that was the case every renter would do it for what they deemed needed fixing. \n\nNow, if it was a safety issues electrical, plumbing and major leak, things like that and the landlord doens't fix it within a reasonable time. The word is reasonable and it isn't 10 min after reporting the problem. \n\nOne can have it fixed (hire a professional) an give the landlord or management company the bill. Then if they don't reemburse you, take them to court. But, you still have to pay the rent.\n\nSorry for your situation but there is nothing I or anyone can tell you to make it better.\n\nBut, I can give you some advice for the future. \n\n1. Inspect the property your planning on renting. Just as you would a car, house anything your buying from an individual or company.  \n\n2. If it is major issues don't move in until it is fixed. One persons minor might be anothers major issue. Like covers over light fixtures minor but it looks bad.  It is another thing NOT having covers over electrical switches that is a safety issue and should be considered major and done prior to moving in.\n\n3.Get everything in Writing. Your word against anothers doesn't hole water in the court of law. \nSome places court dates are booked up so far out because of so many cases that that judges only look at the relevent evidence and ask very few questions before deciding. \n\nLast year I went to court as witness we were 5th. We were in front of the judge in less then two hours. Two before us were done in less then 10 minute. There were some real unhappy people but there wasn't anything to back up the evidence. Nothing in writing.  \n\n4. Most important thing, READ WHAT YOUR SIGNING BEFORE SIGNING. If you do not understand what is written ask or get legal advice from someone who knows legal contracts. Paralegal that know contracts are a lot cheaper then a lawyer. \n \nGood luck.
929755
Yes there are!... \n\nAs a real estate agent I suggest you check out the following sites www.apartmentratings.com or www.apartmentreviews.net \nboth are very helpful.  \n\nAlso, you may want to check out the consumer advocates for tenants rights by visiting their website at www.thelemonclub.com.\n\nHowever, I find it best to personally visit the properties during various hours of the day and make sure it's a comfortable place for you to live in.\n\nBest of luck to you!
257810
I presume this is your property and you have hired the property manager to manage it for you.  You should look at the management agreement.  Most have an arbitration clause to prevent expensive lawsuits.  They probably also have a clause that exempts them except for gross negligence on their part.  (Which this might be.)  I suspect you have much stronger rights if you are a tenant of the building than an owner.
768040
You know what; it sure doesn't sound right to me and I've been in the real estate business since the early 1970's but since I'm not licensed in Ohio I best give you some links where you can get the right answer in the state of Ohio\nSTATE’S WEB SITE:  http://www.ohio.gov/  \nLANDLORD TENANT ACT: http://www.ohiolegalservices.org/OSLSA/PublicWeb/Library/Index/1690000/1630100/index_html \nOhio Bar Association article on Landlord Tenant Issues: http://www.ohiobar.org/pub/lycu/index.asp?articleid=407 \nUnited Way site on Cleveland Renter assistance and Landlord Tenant Issues:\nhttp://www.housingcleveland.org/housing_support_programs/eviction.htm \nYou might also go to the state's bar association and see what articles they may have on the subject other than the one above.\nState Bar Association: http://www.ohiobar.org/  \nI wish you well\nBuena Suerte
550025
This is not a simple question - if you live in the USA, especially. There are laws that cover Security Deposits and Fair Housing Guidelines and to ensure that you have no problems in the future, you need to comply with the Fair Housing law(s) of your State\n\nBoth Landlor and Tenants have rights under this law.\n\nYour tenant, for example, has the right to request/expect (and should be done) that the landlord conduct a walk-through of the rental unit time (1 or 2 weeks, depends on your laws and contract) prior to the official termination of the tenancy contract.  It is thru the walk-thru that you tell the renter if you will withhold any of his/her deposit  if repairs or cleaning are not performed by tenant.  After removing all personal property, the tenant can again request a final walk-thru wiht the landor to ensure thatll obligations have been fulfilled.  Accdg to your contract and laws, you have a certain number of days after vacating the place the landlord (you) has to  mail the renter the deposit or an itemized statement of any deductions taken out y the landlord.  If more than a certain amount of witholding is kept (limits by State law) by the landlord, you are required to accompany the itemization with copies of the receipts and documents showing the charges deducted.  There are other 'time limitations' but again depends on the State.I believe, but I can't remember, that the tenant can waive receipt of these documents.  There is other little things that you need to ensure you do to ensure that this tenant doesn't come back and bite you in small claims court.\n\nThe Letter can be simple:\n\nLetter to (legal/full name of tenant as in contract) and address he provides you.\n\nSubject: describe here the rental property (full legal address, unit number and renter name)-Rental Dates to-from\n\nDear Mr XXXX\n\nOn date you notified me that you would vacate the xxxxxxxx property.  We inspected (if you did) the xxxxx on date and xxxxxx date.  \n\nNo damages where found or damages where found as follows\n\nand consequently repairs had to be made for a total cost of $$ receipts and description of work done are enclosed.\n\nFinal walk thru was made on xxxx. This letter confirms that All your personal property has been removed from the property.\n\nSincerely,\n\nyour name\naddress\n\n\n____________\nLetter received by (name of tenant and date)  \n\nnote: make sure that you have the tenant sign receipt of letter and date it.
577432
There is a list of things that are classified as unsafe for an environment...  Having been poor for a while I have had to research some of these myself due to my living situations.\n\nBroken windows, glass, unsafe damages are always classified as immediately important.  If not fixed its grounds for a summons by the local code enforcement.  No water is clearly an unsafe situation.  They have a reasonable amount of time to fix it but they do have to start the repair immediately.\n\nPest infestations are not always a reason.  I have dealt with this one personally.  If there is an uncontrollable infestation that causes unhealthy standards of living then it can be deemed so by the code enforcement, otherwise a couple of pests does not mean any action "has" to be taken.  The sooner a landlord takes care of these problems though the better off.\n\nBest bet before going to court for unpaid rent, etc, is to make sure to pay the unpaid rent first and let the judge decide.  If the rent is not paid first the judge will not find in your favor. (if this is a court case)\n\nFirst step after paying up is to call your local code enforcement and ask him what is okay or what is not ok.  (or her)  Explain in detail the living situation and ask him if he/ she would be willing to prepare a notice staying which statutes clearly state this is against the codes.\n\nRemember code enforcement and local gov't offices, including but not limited to the police department, are owned by us.  Our taxes pay for them so use them to your full ability don't feel like a burden.\n\nGood luck!
584108
The law that governs eviction is Fla. Stat. § 83.59 (2005)\nwhich basically says that A landlord can only evict through court proceedings, he cannot just give you a notice he has to sue(although the suit will be on the fast track) you. Basically if you refuse to move out Landlord cannot use self help to throw you out -- that will be assault, and he will need a court order to have a sheriff come and kick you out legally.\n\nHere is the statute in full: \nRight of action for possession\n\n\n   (1) If the rental agreement is terminated and the tenant does not vacate the premises, the landlord may recover possession of the dwelling unit as provided in this section.\n\n(2) A landlord, the landlord's attorney, or the landlord's agent, applying for the removal of a tenant shall file in the county court of the county where the premises are situated a complaint describing the dwelling unit and stating the facts that authorize its recovery. A landlord's agent is not permitted to take any action other than the initial filing of the complaint, unless the landlord's agent is an attorney. The landlord is entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011 [F.S. 1971], and the court shall advance the cause on the calendar.\n\n(3) The landlord shall not recover possession of a dwelling unit except:\n\n   (a) In an action for possession under subsection (2) or other civil action in which the issue of right of possession is determined;\n\n   (b) When the tenant has surrendered possession of the dwelling unit to the landlord; or\n\n   (c) When the tenant has abandoned the dwelling unit. In the absence of actual knowledge of abandonment, it shall be presumed that the tenant has abandoned the dwelling unit if he or she is absent from the premises for a period of time equal to one-half the time for periodic rental payments. However, this presumption shall not apply if the rent is current or the tenant has notified the landlord, in writing, of an intended absence.\n\n(4) The prevailing party is entitled to have judgment for costs and execution therefor.
437419
In the state of Maine it is the landlords responsibility.  I would assume it is there.  Call code enforcement and document that you have called by letting your landlord know by mail or letter (make sure it is written).
936803
There is a comprehensive FAQ at the nevadarentershotline.org listed in the source link below. Most of your questions should be answered there. You may also want to look up the Nevada Revised Statutes that pertain to Renter's Rights. They can be found at NRS 118A, also linked below.\n\nIf you still have quetions after looking at those websites, the nevadarentershotline.org site has links to several legal resources that you should consult.\n\nGood luck!
1172074
Your Landlord is liable.  He needs to provide these services for you.  Below is the statue from the TN Real Esate Comission.  Call a lawyer and sue this guy.  Be sure to keep really good records to prove your case in court.\n   \n \n 66-28-304. Maintenance by landlord.\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n   \n \n (a)  The landlord shall:  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (1) Comply with requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (2) Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; and  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (4) In multi-unit complexes of four (4) or more units, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste from common points of collection subject to § 66-28-401(3).  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (b)  If the duty imposed by subdivision (a)(1) is greater than any duty imposed by any other paragraph of subsection (a), the landlord's duty shall be determined by reference to subdivision (a)(1).  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (c)  The landlord and tenant may agree in writing that the tenant perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling, but only if the transaction is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord.  \n  \n \n \n   \n \n (d)  The landlord may not treat performance of the separate agreement described in subsection (c) as a condition to any obligation or performance of any rental agreement.  \n\n  \n \n \n \n \n   \n \n [Acts 1975, ch. 245, § 2.104; T.C.A., § 64-2824.]
268413
I don't know where you live, but in most places I think the landlord would have to have a really good reason for leaving you that long without water.\nYou need to contact your local renters association, or rent review board.  There will be some sort of organization that will help you.
147848
The legal term is adverse possession. Unless there is some agreement between you, other than rent, and the owner has not attempted untl now to remove you from the property,then it is possible that you now have right to the property. It would depend upon the particular laws and statute of Limitations ( could be as much as 20 years) in your state and municipality.
811281
Hi, Sandee,\n\nAs I read the answers, I kept wondering how all these people know what State you live in, if US, and how they can be sure their advise applies.\n\nYour family lives in which state?\n\nAlso, when you say lease that is usually different than a month to month and result in different answers.\n\nIn California, there is a standard notice called a 3 day pay or quit.  The expectation is not that you will move, but simply pay the rent or in your case the water bill.\n\nIn your case, it seems that you may not gone to leasing or rental office and simply asked them what they plan to do.    \n\nThat is the place to start.  Ask them what this is all about.\n\nIf it is in your lease that you will be paying water bills, they will point that out to you.  If that is the case, they will show you that you signature is on the page showing that you agreed to pay.\n\nI don't know in what states there is a "Housing Authority".  But they would tell you to talk with the agent or landlord first.  Then if needed you file a complaint.\n\nThe so called 3 day notice is the first step in the eviction process but it is not an eviction in and of itself.\n\nIn California, an eviction does take place before a judge.  You have the opportunity, with or without an attorney to be present.  \n\nI have always been there on the behalf of the landlord.  Sorry about that!!  The judges are always fair and willing to hear what you have to say.\n\nThe only persons who got really bad deals were drug-dealers, that isn't you, and people who didn't show up in court.\n\nBelieve me, if you are paying the rent as agreed and the landlord or the agent do not have it in writing that you agreed to pay the water bill, you will win in California just by showing up and telling that to the judge!\n\nGood Luck for you and your family!
739780
Rental laws vary from state to state.  Usually you are required to give some amount of notice to a tenant prior to entering the property for non-emergancy reason. \n\nAlso, check the rental agreement to see if it says anything about the upkeep of the property.  If she is required to maintain the property in a certain way and she is not it might be grounds for eviction.  \n\nI suggest you look on Google for your state's housing laws and tenant's rights.
998002
If you can prove that they are not actually doing pipe repair then you'd have a case.  Most states have good renter's rights laws.