Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

landlord won't fix major problems with house i'm renting

I have lived in this house for around 6 months. When the lease agreement was presented to me, I read over it and it states that the landlord is responsible for fixing all major repairs. When I asked if I should make a list of what needed fixed, he said, ''well, I can tell you that it isn't gonna be fixed.. not anytime soon.'' So, I refused to sign the lease. I have proof that I AM paying rent, but it is month to month I guess. There is a MAJOR mildew problem in the basement, therefore, I only go down there to wash clothes. When I mentioned the mildew problem, he said, ''If it's that bad, move out.'' He simply don't care that I could end up in the hospital from this. I have pictures of the green on the doors that he just had someone wash off. The carpet has been pulled up, but he just wanted to lay new carpet down... covering up the problem.. not fixing it. The heater is needing replaced too, but I know he will just TRY to get someone to ''fix'' it. Do I have a leg to stand on without a signed lease?


Asked on 12/18/07, 11:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: landlord won't fix major problems with house i'm renting

He is right - if you do not like the place, move out. Continuing to live in a place that you think may harm your health, especially when you have a relatively easy out, is less of a legal issue than one of basic common sense. If you had a lease, the remedy for what you describe is often termination of the lease. You essentially have that already. You have also failed to mitigate whatever damages you may have had, and in fact, have willingly accepted them apparently since the day you moved in and every month thereafter.

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Answered on 12/19/07, 7:20 am


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