Renters advise?

Question

I am renting a house for the past month the bath tub has been clogged up the owner is aware he is trying to repair it himself he has dug a big a** hole in the back yard and told me not to let my son play back there. Now we have to drive to other peoples house to take a bath and my son cannot play in the back yard. What can I do can i with hold rent

Answer 1

Do not withhold the rent...that is breaking the lease and he can sue you.  Since you cannot bathe, that is probably a health hazard.  If he does not seem cooperative, call the health department and have them inspect the property.  Be advised this will probably tick the owner off so be prepared for any backlash.

Answer 2

put it in escrow.

more details from yahoo answers here.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 3

As for reduce rent. He should accept. Or go to small claims court for help. The judge will surely help you out. Also, call teh housing authority.

Answer 4

Withhold rent?   No, not for a hole in the back yard, or a clogged drain.   99% of the time the tenant is responsible for the clogged drain anyway.  People can be gross and let hair and gunk into the drains and never clean them.

If there are no other bathrooms in the house you can file a complaint with the health department, but only if there are no other bath or shower facilities.     And you may as well pack, he will be wanting a new tenant after you do that.    But you need a court order to withhold rent.