RENT DISCOUNT FOR BROKEN AC??
I hit problems with my AC am busted for approx.. 6 months to repair
the habitation proven but it not hit was found, to that the difficulty not
yet. They proven some assorted things out, but them manifest
themselves into freon the leakage crapper within the walls and them must
pull artefact discover skirt. I had to clear 2 $ 400 calculations reddened in this
time, the lawful aggregation important am 130 $. thusly yet the
dwelling went also low newborn distinction in the terminal month, and if I told
them of my AC problem, and as should I then a reduction soured my $ 1000
per period lease - their respond was 50 $. a reduction on this month. I
believe, I acquire more than digit reduction am this Texas and I hit with
the difficulty to care am for 6 months. I do not hit an earlier
discount. Which I staleness be healthy to do legally. BTW AC is not yet
functions. They embellish in locate of the organisation within tomorrow. If that
does not function, she becomes actuation discover sheetrock. Also I believe,
it am illegal, in visit to know, their freon am a leakage? No, I do
not hit to compel boost AC know, was it function, the
maintenance of the employees did not verify to me the AC which fine. The
next months, if I knew the 2nd broad reddened calculate I that had the AC. (the
equipment would run, but not right of hot-air inside), then I knew
to separate not, it was in the think constantly outside. That is, if she
replaces, those right of the unit.
Question posted manner of: Discount accumulation - Members-Only Content for WordPress
You are not due a discount unless a working air conditioner was promised in your lease. You bill was so high because you continued to run a unit you knew (by your own admission) was not working.
If you can prove they knew there was a leak, they did not think they fixed the leak, and that they added freon, you could file a complaint with the EPA against them. Won’t help you a bit, but you might feel better.
First, read your lease. See if the landlord has undertaken to fix your A/C. If he has, you should contact him in writing and request that he make the necessary repairs.
Even if the lease does not say anything about repairs, your landlord may still be responsible if he has otherwise agreed to make repairs. From what you say, the landlord has tried to make repairs to the A/C in the past and seems to understand this is his obligation. Assuming you can show he has agreed to make repairs, then he would be responsible just as if it were in the lease.
Texas law provides a number of options for recourse, including terminating your lease and seeking damages for the landlord’s failure to repair. Texas law may also entitle you to court costs and attorneys fees from the landlord if certain conditions are met.
If a stern letter to the landlord does not suffice, I strongly suggest you seek legal counsel to pursue these other options.
You may continue to take the discount until the A/C condition is repaired. If there was a working A/C when you were shown the apratment, then the condition of the apartment may not be changed without your agreement and consent for the same rent. How they arrived at $50, I am not sure, but considering that amount is 5% of your monthlty rent (I am not sure if you pay your own utilities), then that may be fair. If you pay your own utilities, then you may ask your utility company for the average cost of the A/C which is contributed to your monthly electric bill. You may deduct that amont from your rent. Also, at this point you should place your landlord on written notice of the defect, and advised that a deduction related to the probelm will be withheld from the rent until repaired. As far a a retroactive discount, that may not be able to be recovered unless you have a record of when the landlord was put on notice of the defect, such as a receipt from a mailing. Other than that, you may get into a “he said, she said” as to when notice of the defect was given. Further, if sheet rock has to be ripped out, BE SURE TO GET A WRITTEN STATEMENT AS TO THE ESTIMATE OF THE TIME FOR THE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT TO BE COMPLETED. Anything beyond that time will allow you to deduct further rent for the unihabitable condition in which the repairs may place your apartment. Take video of the work, repairs and conditon.