Step Five:
Consider your six not so great options:
Option #1) terminate the
lease and move (the landlord often refuses to give back
your deposit and gives you a bad reference so you have to
sue to clear all this up anyway);
Option #2) file suit to
obtain damages and an order requiring the landlord to fix
the problem (it's easy and has fewer risks);
Option #3) have the
problem repaired and deduct the cost from the rent (this is
hard to do correctly, and most landlords file for eviction
for nonpayment anway which is not great for your rental
record even if you win);
Option #4) notify the
city code inspector about the problem (if you tell them you
have donuts or are related to the mayor maybe they will
write the landlord a ticket);
Option #5) fix the
problem yourself; and/or
Option #6) live with it
until your lease expires (landlords expect this option).
WARNING: Do not attempt to utilize any of
these options before carefully reading more about each. If
you improperly terminate your lease or deduct repair costs
from your rent you could expose yourself to liability.