Getting Things Fixed- Part 2
by: Developed from materials provided by the University of Wyoming Students' Attorney
How To Get Things Fixed
Getting Your Landlord to Make Repairs Part II
If you want your landlord to fix things, you must send a written notice.
- You must tell your landlord what is wrong- in writing.
- You must tell your landlord what you want her to do- in writing.
- Sign and date the notice.
- Keep a copy of the notice for your records.
- Send the notice by certified mail. Or, you can leave it at her home or business.
When your landlord gets your notice, she must either start the repair, or give you notice that she disagrees with you. Her notice must be served to you either by certified mail or left at your home or business.
What if your landlord doesn't respond to your first notice?
If your landlord doesn't respond (if you haven't heard from her in 10 or more days), you MUST send a second notice. The legal name of this second notice is "Notice to Repair or Correct Condition."
This notice must:
- let the landlord know you sent the first notice;
- say the number of days since you sent the first notice;
- state that, "in this case, a reasonable amount of time has passed" for making the repair or responding to the request;
- list the problems that need to be fixed. (Do this even though you did it in the first notice.);
- tell the landlord that if she does not start repairs within three days, you will seek legal advice.
Send this notice by certified mail. Or, leave a copy at your landlord's home or business.
What next?
If your landlord does not start repairs after your second notice, you can sue her. You can also sue your landlord if she has disputed your claim. If the courts find that your landlord should have made repairs, you can win your case. If you win,
- Your landlord may be forced to make repairs.
- The lease could be canceled (which means that you have to move).
- Your landlord may also have to pay back rent and pay your legal fees and court costs.
Talk to a lawyer about what to do before you sue.
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