Q: Can I take legal action against my landlord for not fixing major repairs until someone gets hurt?
My daughters bedroom ceiling fell down on her after MONTHS of me telling him it was cracking. My other daughter fell off porch while holding my grandson, breaking her ankle due to him not fixing rail, after me repeatedly telling him. Now the rail going up my steps has broke, has been a month, and a friend to fall and scrap her leg. The cement on the porch, steps is crumbling. He also hasn't fixed gutters or my toilet. The sewer backed up and due to him taking his time to fix, my dryer flooded, which my renters insurance stated he should pay for. I do have pictures and evidence and currently looking for housing elsewhere due to these issues
A: Contact the local building department, which might issue repair orders. Send landlord written notice of the problems, then start paying rent on time each month into escrow with the local court, which will schedule a hearing for landlord to come and explain what is being done to fix the problems. If not enough, the court can terminate your lease so you can move. Check your local court for the rent escrow process. You also could sue the landlord in small claims court for medical bills. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to consult a local attorney to assist you.
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