How Long Does a Landlord Have to Fix Something?
- Make sure you read your leasing agreement thoroughly because there are no set laws requiring a landlord to fix something in your unit. Your agreement should outline the amount of time your landlord has to fix a major or minor problem. If there is no time clause in your agreement, ask your landlord to add a written clause before signing the legal agreement. Check to see if your state landlord-tenant laws or state and local building codes have time limits within which particular major or minor issues must be fixed. Report your landlord to the Fair Housing Association or civil court if he violates the terms of your agreement, or state laws and ordinances.
- Although there are no specific laws on how much time a landlord has to make a repair in your unit, privacy laws do outline when the landlord may enter your unit. Accessing a tenant's unit generally requires 24 hour notice by landlords, but this varies by state. For instance, Delaware requires landlords to give at least two days notice, whereas Florida requires a 12 hour notice and Georgia has not statue.
- Landlords must fix problems such as leaking roofs, pipes and windows that cause tenants to have serious health problems. Failure to fix these issues can cause mold, which is an environmental health hazard. According to the legal website NOLO, even if your state doesn't have laws specific to mold, your landlord may still be liable for the mold problems in your unit. Some states and cities, such as New York City, have made it a requirement for landlords to follow the Department of Health's (DOH) guidelines for indoor air quality. Each state's DOH has its own time guidelines for fixing mold hazards. Tenants who cause the mold, however, by not maintaining necessary cleanliness or keeping the property tightly shut can be held liable for any related injury or health related issues.
- Fixing personal property of the tenant is typically not the responsibility of the landlord. Tenants are responsible for insuring personal items, such as televisions, furniture, appliances, jewelry and clothing. Purchase renter's insurance to insure all your property against damage due to weather issues, theft or other situations non-landlord related. In case of damage, the items can be fixed or replaced at little or no cost to you. Ask your landlord to compensate you or fix your personal property if it was damaged due to your landlord not repairing something in your home, such as flooding caused by a plumbing issue. Take your landlord to civil court if she refuses to pay for the property damage, if you have proof that will hold up in the court of law.