GREENSBORO, N.C. — Renters complaining about management not making needed repairs is a common consumer issue. 2 Wants To Know gets calls and emails daily about it. The first question we ask the consumer is, 'Have you put your request for repairs in writing?'.
It seems so simple, but too often people rely on voice mails or a conversation. But that's not enough. Even if you have a conversation with your landlord or management company, you need to put your request for repairs in writing, that can be a letter in the mail, email, text, or a message on the complex portal.
"You need a paper trail. It's proof that you have notified them. If you find you need to take legal action or call the city for compliance you need a paper trail that shows you have made an effort to correct this problem and the management company wasn't responsive," said Roseanne, a 2 Wants To Know Call For Action volunteer.
When you put your request in writing, you need to be specific. For example: The left burners on the stove don't work. If you just say: The stove isn't working right, you could delay getting the repair done promptly. When you're specific, the correct replacement parts and tools can be brought to your unit on the first visit instead of visit number two or three.
You need to give your landlord a reasonable time to make repairs. If the issue is heat or air conditioning, it could take days or a week to get a specific part in to fix the problem.
"Sometimes if it's dealing with heat or air conditioning, it can be remedied by supplying fans or heaters or an AC unit temporarily until your property gets fixed, but you need to ask those types of things are not always given," said Roseanne.
Can you withhold rent to get your landlord to make those repairs?
No. Unless you have that specifically in writing, you cannot. NC law doesn't allow that. If you stop making your rent payments, the law will see you as breaching the leasing agreement.
How can I get extra help with my consumer issue?
Call For Action volunteers are folks who are trained to help mediate consumer issues, including helping renters with maintenance issues. Fill out the complaint form and attach documents. Remember, paperwork is proof.