Q: How do I handle a landlord that is unresponsive and not doing my service requests?
I am having an issue with my current landlord. There has been water damage in my apartment for over a year now, in 2+ rooms. I have been communicating with the landlord since last year on how to get this issue resolved, little-to-no response from them. As a result of the water damage, I have an infestation of mosquitoes, midges, gnats, and other insects. As someone who has severe allergies, and asthma, it does not feel fair to be living here and paying almost $1100/month. I work remotely, full-time, so being in the apartment basically 24/7 is not helping my health. Please let me know what my options are.
A: Notify, landlord both by certified mail, return receipt requested, and orally in the presence of a third party, that until the repairs are made, the monthly rent will be placed in an escrow account until all requested services are completed. Open an account at a convenient bank, make timely deposits of the rent into the account, i.e. by the first day of each month. There is no self help permitted in NJ. If the landlord wishes yto evict you for non payment of rent, he must file a complaint with the Court. If you make timely monthly payments, the deposits will be shown on the bank statement. You will be able to show this to the mediator and the Judge. Sent a list of services required and dates requested to the landlord as part of the letter indicating the rent shall be paid timely to the account until services/repairs are provided. It is important you make timely deposits into the rentaccount.
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