Nobody should have to feel unsafe in their own home. As a renter, you should be able to rent a safe and habitable place. Sadly, not all homeowners uphold their end of the bargain, leaving tenants in unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Whether it’s mold creeping up your walls, a broken lock, or an unresponsive landlord, there are steps you can take. After all, your safety and well-being come first. One sign of landlord negligence is the failure to make repairs on time.
If you ever feel stuck, remember that you're not being "too difficult" for wanting a livable home. Advocating for yourself isn’t just about fixing the problem, it’s also about knowing your worth as a tenant, advises TrustArt Realty Management Solutions. In light of this, continue reading this guide as we’ll discuss how to address unsafe living conditions while renting and other valuable information.
Landlord negligence happens when property owners fail to act and ensure their tenants live in a safe, functioning, and habitable environment. It is not only because there is a leaking sink or it takes too long to be repaired, but landlord negligence also means the landlord has blown off serious concerns over the safety of their tenants, including mold, pest infestations, broken locks, or faulty wiring.
As a tenant, landlord negligence can make living in your home a headache. Think about living with broken stairs, going the entire winter without heat, or living on a property where you feel unsafe because the front door doesn't lock. If you are paying for these repairs, it affects your finances, mental health, and physical health. Choose a rental manager in Baltimore with proven expertise in handling maintenance requests.
Unfortunately, some property owners will ignore the complaint or stall action, hoping the tenant will give in and move on. It is important to remember that you do have rights as a tenant. Knowing your rights and what it takes to escalate the issue to local housing authorities or legal help can make all the difference. You should not have to choose between a roof and safe living conditions. A landlord neglecting serious issues is not only frustrating but also negligent behavior. You deserve better as a renter.
Every renter deserves to enjoy a safe, habitable unit, and that’s not a luxury because it’s a right. It comes with each rental lease agreement because of the Implied Warranty of Habitability. It's just a fancy way of saying landlords are responsible for keeping their rental properties in livable condition, even if it’s not explicitly written in all lease agreements.
Necessities such as running water, heating, electricity, and a structurally secure home are required and non-negotiable. If your landlord ignores these critical problems, such as a broken heater during winter and a significant pest infestation, that is likely a violation of this legal standard.
To start, you should document and write your information. If your landlord is still unresponsive after that, you need to check your state’s tenant laws because some states allow rent withholding, or you can make the repairs yourself and deduct the repair cost from your rent. If this does not change anything, you could contact a local housing authority or, again, legal aid for support. Always remember, you are not simply renting this place; you are paying for a safe place to live, and if your landlord refuses to provide that, it is your legal right as a renter to take action.
Documentation can be your greatest defense against living in unsafe conditions. A landlord might brush off complaints, but keeping a record is a much more reliable way for them to dispute the claim. So, what should you document?
First, take photographs and videos, and make sure they are clear and stamped with the date and/or time. Take pictures of mold, leaks, bugs, broken locks, or anything else that is a safety risk. If it is a safety risk, you want to document it. Next, keep records of any interaction you've had with your landlord. Emails and text messages would be ideal, but if your exchange was verbal (phone call or face-to-face), send a follow-up email to establish a record. Also, track how long it has been since you first reported the issue. Did you report this weeks ago, only to continue waiting? Note the dates and details every time you attempt to get the issue addressed. If your neighbors also suffer from similar issues, get a statement from them, as their account will benefit your case.
If things escalate, official reports such as complaints to housing authorities or contractor repair estimates can substantiate your case. A strong paper trail can compel your property owner to resolve the issues or protect you if you need legal action. While a homeowner may choose to disregard your word at the end of the day, not considering evidence is much more difficult. Stay organized, don't lose your persistence, and know your rights.
Unsafe living conditions are more than an inconvenience as they can impact your health, safety, and overall well-being. As a tenant, you have the right to a habitable home, and if your landlord isn’t holding up their end of the deal, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Document everything, communicate clearly, and don’t hesitate to escalate if necessary.
As a tenant, it’s important to know your worth and remember that you are not being unreasonable for wanting a safe place to live. Rather than enduring neglect, raise your concerns and push for repairs. Take note that there are also alternative options such as seeking legal help or finding a better home that would fit your needs.
