Problem with apartment complex and repairs?

Question

I wrote a 2 page letter to my leasing office (and cc:d the property management company) regarding problems with my apartment that need to be fixed. (I don't mean burned out light bulbs--I mean carpeting that's been saturated twice [leaky pipe from upstairs] and has shrunk, and now has a huge gap/seam in it that I trip over constantly because my toes get caught in it), air conditioner that blows out *sort of* cool air (I live in Georgia and it's July...), and a handful of other smaller repairs (such as the water damage we sustained most recently warped the door to the furnace closet. They replaced the door after about a week, but it sat for two weeks without paint or a door k**b). My letter was strongly worded, but not mean or violent. I received a reply that was very condescending, and basically said we'll fix what we can, but we're not guaranteeing anything. The office manager even had the nerve to tell me I'm lucky we weren't charged for the new toilet they installed. more...

Answer 1

Here is a link for your state

http://www.atlantalegalaid.org/tenrights...

I just typed in Tenant rights, Georgia and this was one of the links.

In some states i believe there is a way that you can hold back rent without being evicted, but i believe you have to put the rent money in an escrow account or somthing like that... It should tell you in the link...

Good luck.

Answer 2

A two-page letter is quite overwhelming. I would always opt for succinct checklist with a short statement attached.

There are cosmetic repairs and there are substantial repairs. I assume you have listed all the substantial ones. If you feel the repairs rise to such a serious level you can document your complaints and threaten to move.

In the meantime put a throw-rug over the gap so you don't trip.