Q: I'm 73 and my apt a/c hasn't worked in about 3 weeks. Its 90 degrees there and my landlord is not responsive.
I was hospitalized 6/29 -- 7/4. I cant go home because it's 90 degrees there and hospital staff is warning me to stay away. What should I do? Escrow next months rent? Get ugly? (Don't want to). Call Bruno and Dominic to apply pressure? (Also not something I want to do). Interviewed by local (KWTX Waco) tv news, supposed to air this evening. Help--at my wits end.
A:
My recommendation is that you send a written demand to your landlord notifying it of the problem with your A/C and demanding that the landlord timely make repairs and notify you upon completion. Your lease may have specific provisions concerning such a notice, so carefully read your lease and follow its terms.
Do not withhold rent or fail to pay your rent in a timely manner. A landlord generally has no duty to make repairs to the premises if you are not current on your rent.
Given your recent hospitalization, I would then get a reasonably comfortable hotel or motel room to stay in until the repairs have been completed. Upon completion of the repairs, I would send the hotel bill to your landlord and demand reimbursement claiming that the landlord breached the covenant of quiet enjoyment.
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