Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia
landlord (slumlord) refuses to pay for repairs!
we signed a lese to move in june first, we didnt move in until june 10th because the house was roach infested (which we fixed ourselves) also 4 out of five phone jacks in the house didnt work. we told the leasing office and they told us to "call bell south" which we did, they came out and fixed our jacks and the technician said that it was due to them pulling them out and replacing them the wrong way when they repainted the apartment. The bill is $159,so i deducted it from our rent and gave them a copy of the receipt. they gave me my check back and said they werent responsible!! is this true??
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: landlord (slumlord) refuses to pay for repairs!
It sounds like the landlord is going to try to evict you for non-payment of the full rent. However, this sounds like a case that falls under the general rule that the landlord is repsonsible for repairs, especially where the damage was not done by you. I would re-send the check and each one as it comes due by certified mail. They will probably be returned (refused) but if the landlord files a dispossessory you will have a defense in that you tendered the rent as it came due.