This may be a stalling tactic, Boysen said. If landlords refuse or ignore repair requests, tenants may contact their city inspections department. Caseworkers inspect the property for code violations and substandard conditions and may order the landlord to comply with the requests. Continual refusal can result in additional licensing sanctions or revocation of the landlord's license. But Boysen urges tenants not to withhold their rent payments as a monetary threat to landlords when they have complaints.
Landlords can successfully bring action against the tenants for nonpayment of rent.
Instead, tenants can deposit their rent in an escrow account with the court until the dispute is solved either within or outside the court system. Landlords bringing action against tenants for damages have the burden of proof, according to state law. A good practice for tenants may be to document the condition of the property either in writing or with pictures or videotape. However, Boysen said, the precaution may backfire. If an area was initially overlooked, the landlord may claim the tenant was responsible.