Rental Property Repair Issues

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Summary

Tenants in West Virginia have the right to a habitable home and can withhold rent for necessary repairs. They can also sue landlords for damages. Document all communications, contact the local health department for inspections, and consult a local attorney for specific legal advice. Written notice to the landlord is essential.

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The issue is we signed a lease agreement August 1st with a rental management company. Since October I’ve been telling them about this stagnant water/egg/sewer smell coming into the house. It’s obnoxious and enough to make you gag. They’ve sent maintenance multiple times but minimal repairs were made and the repairs didn’t remedy the issues. It’s gotten so bad that since it’s cold out we can’t turn on the heat because the smell comes through the ventilation. Even maintenance smelled it and agreed. At one point the problem was said to be a leak under the sink which nobody knows how long the leak been there which could’ve caused a mold. In fact they said the previous tenant pulled out their washer and broke the water lines which were pouring water into and under the house! So we’ve had the vents covered all winter with plastic and can’t turn on the heat! Some nights it’s below * degrees! For heat we’ve got a space heater & stove on */*! Guess what the electric bill is (stove is electric)? Over $* and they are raising the rent $* Jan 1st! I’ve made my last formal demand for repairs Dec 9th * through email. They’re just responding today December * with the words “Hello, I wanted to let you know we be out there this week! Thank you for letting us know per phone call that someone will be home the entire week and will be there!” The demand I made was they have 14 days to remedy the issue or we will have to hire a professional to fix the issue at which a reasonable portion of rent will be taken out for those said repairs. Thing is we’re broke. And freezing. Can’t even enjoy our home. Thanksgiving we were here waiting for someone to repair them too and we sat here cold smelling this! Please help!
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, ****. To give you accurate advice, I need to know the state where you live. Landlord-tenant laws vary by location.
West Virginia
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, ****. In West Virginia, tenants have certain rights:
*. The right to a habitable home.
*. The right to withhold rent for necessary repairs.
*. The right to sue landlords for damages.
Before proceeding, you should consult with a local attorney. Please note, you must provide written notice to your landlord about the issues.
Right!
Based on your situation, ****, here are the steps you can consider:
*. Document all communication with your landlord.
*. Contact the local health department to inspect your living conditions.
*. Consult a local attorney about your rights as a tenant.
Remember that this advice is not a substitute for legal advice.