Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

house is unfit to live in

We have had problems since we moved in here. The kicker was that last night, I fell through the kitchen floor. All the floors in the house are on the verge of collapsing. Do I have any recourse against my landlord? He refused to fix the fridge when it broke. He refused to fix the roof when it leaked. Falling through the floor is the last straw. Can I have the place condemned? When I fell through, it really wrenched my back and cut my foot. We are trying to move from here and really don't want to pay anymore rent since the landlord doesn't want to fix anything. Can I threaten a lawsuit to get him to leave us alone? If he starts eviction procedures, how long do we have until we have to be out and can I bring up all the dangers in this house? Who do I contact about getting this place condemned?


Asked on 9/10/02, 12:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Hugh Wood Wood & Meredith

Re: house is unfit to live in

You may want to move out and not pay rent under the doctrine of "construtive eviction." You can still sue, even if you move out. However, even in a dump, you can't stay and not pay. You must choose or elect your remedies. Most of your questions are answered at:

http://www.woodandmeredith.com/realestate/tenant_faq.html

good luck

Hugh Wood

Read more
Answered on 9/10/02, 8:00 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Georgia