Contacting Your Landlord

What can you do if your landlord doesn't take care of a problem for you?

Most problems can be taken care of with a quick telephone call to the landlord or the person designated as the apartment caretaker.  Sometimes a polite letter can be written to tell of your problem.  If there is no reasonable response, further action can be taken.

Laws in each state differ.  Check with your local agencies for specific details.  You can contact a representative from your local housing authority, social service welfare agency, legal aid service, or the Landlord-Tenant Court to talk with you about the laws in your state regarding rental problems.  You could also look up information on the Internet.  If you have a problem, you can:

1. Write a polite letter to your landlord to let him know your problem (Give specific details).
2. If you don't get a response within a reasonable amount of time (30 days), do two things at the same time:
1. Make a formal, written complain to local housing authorities, asking for an inspection.
2. Try to personally contact landlord and come to an agreement.  If you do get a response, call off the inspection.
3. Remember that you should:
1. Keep copies of letters you send and send the letter to the landlord by registered mail for proof.
2. Talk directly to the landlord about the problem if you don't get an answer to your letter.  (Document the date and time in your records)
1. If this direct contact is successful, contact the housing authority to cancel the inspection.
4. If all else fails, you can contact an experienced local agency for help or sue in a small claims court.

Today we will be writing a polite letter to your landlord stating a make-believe problem.  In a standard block letter format, include the following:

• State that you live in their apartment building (Shady Acres Apartments) at 123 Main St., Kelseyville, CA 95451.
• A paragraph letting your landlord know what the problem is.  For example, "I know that you would like to know that the roof has begun leaking over my bed in my bedroom.  I have placed a bucket under the leak and have moved the bed to protect it.  The heavy storms are causing much damage in the neighborhood."
• You can include another paragraph letting the landlord know about other issues -- especially if they are problems you have reported previously.  For example, "The broken window in the bedroom that I mentioned to you last week could be fixed at the same time.  If you remember, it was broken by falling branches in the last storm.
• Conclude with a sentence letting them know you are awaiting a reply.  For example, "I'm looking forward to hearing from you right away so my bed can be put back and my room will be safe again."
• Remember to conclude with "Sincerely," and then leave a few spaces and type your name.  Don't forget to sign it.