Landlord procrastinating against pumping septic?

Question

Our Septic backed up into our toilets at 10pm last night, We called the Realtor who is our go between with the landlord and let us know that it would be fixed no later then 9am this morning. The guy who was supposed to come out and pump the septic (landlords brother-in-law) never showed and when i called to complain (again) she said to find someone and give her the estimate. Its the weekend, and rates aren't cheap, we gave her the quote (could have had it fixed by now) and she called the landlord with the price. Landlord in turn called back and said it was too much. It is now 12pm, and i would like to take a shower. My boyfriend and I have been waiting for a phone call but nothing so far. This is a violation of our lease which states the the landlord is responsible for all septic issues, so what are our rights?

Answer 1

IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME, I would stay in a hotel until the problem was fixed.

And I would deduct the cost from the next rent.

Take pictures, in case it ever goes to court.

Answer 2

First you need to determine what caused this back up to determine who pays the bill was something flushed down the toilet that shouldn't have been?

If not then call someone out pay them and withhold that portion from your rent payment next month but make sure you include the paid receipt (keep a copy for yourself).

Answer 3

IF THE LANDLORD IS NOT FIXING THE PLACE IN A TIMELY MANOR. YOU CAN GO TO THE COURTHOUSE AND FILE A COMPLAINT. YOU WILL THEN PAY YOUR RENT TO THE COURTS UNTIL YOUR LANDLORD FIXES THE SITUATION! I WOULD INFORM HIM THAT YOU WILL GO MAKE A REPORT ON HIM IF HE DOESN'T GET HIS A** OVER NOW, THAT SHOULD MAKE HIM JUMP TO IT.   this is the website for rental laws in ohio maybe you can find one similar for your state if you google it, or try replacing ohio with florida.   www.ohiolandlordtenant.com/apartments_fo...  

Answer 4

I would tell the Realtor they have until Monday noon to pump it and repair all damages or you will hire a guy on your own and sue both the landlord and the agent. Tell them that in the meantime you will go to a motel until it fixed and charge them for that, as well. Then do it.

Answer 5

I'm in England - so I c an only advise in broad terms. It sounds to me as though the landlord has had plenty of opportunity to do the job - you are faced with a situation that is intolerable.  I  think you probably have the right to go ahead and pay a contractor to do the work and try to recover the cost from the landlord, if necessary by suing the landlord for restitution - but that would be a hassle and you might not get the money. As this is a public health issue, can you exert leverage by contacting someone at City Hall?  Maybe they could send someone out to do the work and charge the landlord - he'd find it more difficult to refuse to pay the City than he would to refuse to pay you.  

Answer 6

He is responsible, but you have to give him a reasonable amount of time.

He could not even start to do anything before 9 or 10 am.

48 hours is reasonable, 3 is not.