Walk It Through: The Furnace In January
A dead furnace, written notice, repair and deduct, a separate account, and a rent hike afterward.
In a cold snap, the furnace in a rented house stops working. The landlord does not answer calls.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One furnace in one winter. A utility shutoff for the landlord's unpaid bill, a mobile home lot, a code inspection and damage the tenant caused are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Fit for human habitationThe condition a landlord keeps residential premises and common areas in, along with good and safe working order, including electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
- Repair and deductA tenant's remedy when a landlord neglects a needed repair within a reasonable time after notice: make the repair and take the cost out of the rent.
- RetaliationA rent increase above fair market value, a cut in utility services, or a notice to vacate not based on a breach, after a tenant complained, asked for repairs in writing, or joined a tenants' union.