Repairs and Habitability Issues

You may have the right to abandon your unit. Just call Mr. Radoff for a consultation relating to your rights at (800) 595-2948. His fee is just $39.95 charged on your bank or credit card. There is no time limit to discuss your issue.

A rental or leased unit must be fit to live in, that is it must be habitable. Habitable in the legal sense means that it must be fit for occupation by humans and that it substantially complies with state and local building and health codes that materially affect tenants health and safety.

There are many kinds of defects that could make your rental or leased unit unlivable and therefore legally uninhabitable.

If your premises lack any of the following it may be uninhabitable:

1. Roof and exterior walls, including windows and doors are not waterproof.
2. Plumbing in good working order, including hot and cold running water, connected to a sewage disposal system.
3. Gas in good working order.
4. Heating facilities in good working order.
5. Electric system, including wiring, lighting and equipment in good working order.
6. Clean and sanitary building, grounds and appurtenances free of insects, dirt, rubbish, vermin or rodents.
7. Adequate trash receptacles.
8. Floors, stairways and railing in good repair.
9. A working toilet, wash basin and bathtub or shower.
10. A kitchen sink
11. Natural lighting in every room through windows or skylight.
12. Safe fire or emergency exists leading to an open hallway and stairs.
13. Storage areas, garages and basements free of combustible materials.
14. Deadbolt locks on the main entrance doors to the unit and working locks or security devices on windows.
15. Working smoke detectors in all units.

Always notify the landlord or his agent by phone and certified letter return receipt requested of any needed repairs affecting your unit's habitability.