Q: Been having major issues with landlord since moving in & requested a f2f meeting but landlord said no, can he do that?
Was showed the apartment when still being renovated, when we moved in we noticed many things weren't competed or corners were cut to complete them. Tried to say something back then and our landlord brushed us off. Now, we have a broken window that we can't use, couldn't use our shower for 3 days before they finally sent a plumber, and yesterday we woke up to a huge leak in our kitchen ceiling that alao ruined our floors. We requested a face to face meeting to discuss the ongoing issues and possibility of being released for our lease agreement (because clearly they didn't hold up their end of the deal) and our landlord refused, and said a meeting isn't "required or warranted", though we as the tenant expressed that we feel it is most definitely warranted. Is he able to do this? To deny us a meeting?
A:
Unless your lease calls for a meeting, then yes, he can refuse to meet.
Your next best bet is to write the landlord, certified mail, listing all your issues. Depending upon the severity, you can advise him that if he doesn't correct the problems within a reasonable period, you will (1) withhold a portion of your rent, retroactive to the date of the letter, until the items are fixed, (2) make the repairs yourself out of rent money or (3) consider it to be a constructive eviction and terminate your lease.
You should see a lawyer to discuss exactly the type of issues you are having and what is warranted, since ultimately, a judge will decide what actions, if any, were reasonable.
Good luck.
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