ProTenant Agency

Interesting information for anyone interested in the enforcement of tenant rights.

DO YOU WORK FOR YOUR LANDLORD? ARE YOU AN EMPLOYEE OR A CUSTOMER?

Not too long ago, we heard from a tenant who submitted a repair request for a plumbing issue. The landlord sent out one of its “technicians” who was not able to fix it. The tenant was given a four-hour window of when the technician might show up and had to take a half-day off from work. Of course, the technician couldn’t fix the problem and told the tenant a third-party repair vendor would need to come to take a look. The tenant had to take off another half-day from work. The vendor came but was only authorized to determine what needed to be fixed and needed to submit a “bid” with the amount the vendor would charge the landlord to fix the problem. The landlord wanted a lower amount and over the next several months, sent out more than ten different vendors. Each time, the tenant was required to take off at least half a day from work. Nearly a year later, the issue still has not been fixed. The landlord has not paid a single dime for the needed repairs and has not lost any money because the tenant has to continue paying monthly rent in order to avoid paying late fees or possibly being evicted. On the other hand, by having to take off what amounts to a total of 56 hours from work, the tenant has lost a lot. Is this fair? Is it legal? Why is it happening? If tenants don’t work for the landlord, why are they having to perform the landlord’s legal obligation and duty to “make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.”

Most of the leases that we have seen do not include anything that actually requires the tenant to meet repair vendors. Even if landlords were to include such a provision, in most states, that provision would likely be unenforceable because most landlord-tenant laws require the LANDLORD - not the tenant - to make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to provide fit and habitable housing. So, very serious question - why are so many tenants acting as if they are employed by the landlord rather than acting like they are a customer who is entitled to service from the landlord?

You know things are really bad when a SFR property management company's employee takes advantage of them allowing comments on their FB page to trash the company and expose their bad practices. American Homes 4 Rent Truth Translator we love your page and are happy to see you posting again! More stuff like this please!
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