By anonymous - 19/02/2017 17:00 - United States - Los Angeles

Today, we've hit day 4 with no hot water in my apartment. Today is also day 4 of the office insisting that the plumber is "on his way". My neighbor just got arrested for screaming at them. Looks like we'll be entering day 5 soon. FML
I agree, your life sucks 6 557
You deserved it 444
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alternative-facts 6

Withhold your rent. Set up an escrow account, put your rent money in it, and inform the landlord that you will not pay rent until he fixes the water. You can prove the rent money is available because of the escrow account. If it still doesn't get it fixed, tell him you'll have it done by an outside plumber, and deduct the cost from your rent. I had to do this once when I had no heat. It's not entirely legally defensible (I don't think), but it definitely made them fix my heat. Good luck to you, and hang in there.

75 1
thunderniron 22

Check with fair housing. I believe that in California you can withhold rent (prorated to the number of days without hot water) until they fix it. Basically, you don't have to pay rent for the time it's out.

58 0

Comments

alternative-facts 6

Withhold your rent. Set up an escrow account, put your rent money in it, and inform the landlord that you will not pay rent until he fixes the water. You can prove the rent money is available because of the escrow account. If it still doesn't get it fixed, tell him you'll have it done by an outside plumber, and deduct the cost from your rent. I had to do this once when I had no heat. It's not entirely legally defensible (I don't think), but it definitely made them fix my heat. Good luck to you, and hang in there.

75 1
needagoodlaugh 34

It is actually legal. If a landlord does not fix something in a reasonable timeframe you can get it fixed by an outside source and deduct the rent. Just make sure you have all the documentation of when the complaint was first filed with the landlord.

2 0
thunderniron 22

Check with fair housing. I believe that in California you can withhold rent (prorated to the number of days without hot water) until they fix it. Basically, you don't have to pay rent for the time it's out.

58 0
RichardPencil 30

Comment moderated for rule-breaking.

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1 21
teechur 15

You have the law on your side. Find the Landlord Tenant Lease Act or similar for your state. Lack of hot water in some states, renders a building unlivable under health code and can allow you, as stated above, to withhold rent for those days. You should determine if that is true, and if it is simply post the law and the code at the mailboxes so everyone sees it. Bet it's repaired within an hour. Still withhold your rent, include the law with the lowered check and be sure your neighbors will attest to the dates you've been without hot water.

17 0
dexter90 12

You're neighbor's a genius! Now he/she can enjoy a hot shower in the comforts of a correctional facility, maybe you should join him/her

9 2
jcash52426 5

At least you have running water, if you take a big pot you can boil water and freshen up and wash your hair.

3 2
Mortimer14 9

Boil water on the stove, fill the kitchen sink and wash up right there in the kitchen. I've done it. My water heater failed in the middle of winter and it took two weeks to get someone out to replace it.

3 1
laxdude101 13

i feel your pain. i'm entering week 3 without hot water

1 0
caliguy08 17

I highly doubt your neighbor was arrested for "screaming at them"... maybe if it was done in a drunken or drug fueled rage... or perhaps while brandishing a weapon of some sort.... however, minus some sort of fisticuffs.... I can't see them arresting him for screaming at your front office.

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