Unsafe Rental Property Issues

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Summary

In Tennessee, landlords are required to maintain habitable properties. If they fail to do so, tenants have several options: they can pay for necessary repairs and deduct the cost from their rent, deposit their rent with a court until the issues are resolved, or terminate the lease if the property is uninhabitable. Consulting a local attorney is advisable for personalized legal advice.

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Hello Tina! I understand you need legal assistance. Could you please explain your situation more specifically so that I can guide you better? Also, may I know your current location as laws differ from place to place?
I signed a home rental lease on a week and a Half ago . When I went and looked at the property there was no power . I had the power turned on and when I went in I found numerous electrical issues . I’m scared to death to move my family in due to how unsafe the electricity is . The homeowner is aware of the issues but wants to send his handyman in to fix the issues . The handyman has already told me he doesn’t know what he’s doing. The homeowner will not pay for a license electrician to fix the problems because there is so many . Can I get my money back since I haven’t moved in ?
Hello Tina, can you please tell me where you're located? This will help me provide you with information relevant to your jurisdiction.
Blaine Tennessee
Hello Tina,
In Tennessee, landlords are obligated to maintain a habitable property. If they don't, you have options:
- Repair and deduct: You can pay for repairs yourself and deduct it from rent.
- Escrow rent: Deposit rent with a court until issues are resolved.
- Terminate the lease: If the property is uninhabitable.
Please consult with a local attorney for advice.