repairs
The good news: Landlords are required to provide the basic maintenance to keep the apartment in habitable condition.
The bad news: The law does not provide tenants with the right to a perfect apartment.
Most State College landlords try to keep their properties in good condition and like to repair damages as the problems occur. Some leases even require that you report certain repair needs to your landlord in a timely manner, especially those that might cause more damage (like water leaks). Here's what to do if you notice something in your apartment that needs to be repaired:
The bad news: The law does not provide tenants with the right to a perfect apartment.
Most State College landlords try to keep their properties in good condition and like to repair damages as the problems occur. Some leases even require that you report certain repair needs to your landlord in a timely manner, especially those that might cause more damage (like water leaks). Here's what to do if you notice something in your apartment that needs to be repaired:
- Check your lease to see if your landlord has a procedure for reporting repairs.
- Submit the repair request in writing to the landlord or property manager.
- Allow the landlord a reasonable time to fix the problem before following up.
- Don't ignore repair needs until you move out. The landlord is almost guaranteed to charge you for a repair if you never reported it during the lease term.
- Don't ignore repair needs that could cause further damage. If you don't report a running toilet, for example, your landlord might charge you for the excessive water bill it caused.
Disagreements: If you and your landlord disagree on who is responsible for a repair, there are steps you can take to try to resolve the issue short of the extremes of living with it, or going to court.
- Check the lease to see if the repairs are specifically allocated in the contract.
- Talk to the landlord. Use professional and courteous communications when trying to resolve a dispute. Emails are great for tracking exactly what was communicated and when. When an in person meeting seems like a better option, schedule an appointment to allow your landlord to set aside time to discuss the issue with you.
- Try mediation. Low cost mediation services are available through Center for Alternatives in Community Justice. If one party to the dispute is a Penn State student, free mediation services are available through the University.
- Look at other dispute resolution options. The Better Business Bureau, for example, helps parties resolve dispute and offers a binding arbitration process at a cost, if parties are unable to reach a resolution.
Every situation is different. This website is meant to give you only general information, not specific legal advice.
For legal advice, consult an attorney.
For legal advice, consult an attorney.