Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois
who pays for the maintance
If there is work that needs to be done,such as painting,tile work,or replacing paneling,and the landlord refuses to take care of it.Can a teneant pay
for the work to be done,and then deduct it from the rent that is owed?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: who pays for the maintance
Depends on your lease. Do not withhold rent without having an attorney review the lease.
Generally, if there are items which make the property uninhabitable, you might be able to repair the item and withhold rent, but that would only be for items like a furnace in the winter. What you describe does not sound like the property is unlivable.
Re: who pays for the maintance
Hello. I would not suggests
withholding a portion of my
rent like this. I would
suggests that you put your
request in writing and see
what happens. Also, check
your lease. If the lease
says that it is the landlord's
responsibility to maintain
these items and he/she does
not do it, you can file a
suit.