After waiting the required time, the law allows tenants to give written notice to the landlord and move out immediately. Tenants are entitled to a prorated refund of their rent, as well as the deposits they would normally get back. Litigation or arbitration can be used to work out the dispute. A tenant can hire an attorney and go to court to force the landlord to make repairs. Or, if the landlord agrees, the dispute can be decided by an arbitration service.
Arbitration is usually less costly and quicker than going to court.
The tenant can hire someone to make the repairs. In many cases the tenant can have the work done and then deduct the cost from the rent. Before having any repairs made by a licensed or registered tradesperson if one is required, or any person capable of doing the work, the tenant must submit a good faith estimate to the landlord. To speed up the repair process, the estimate can be given to the landlord along with the original written notice of the problem. When the required waiting period has ended and the landlord has not begun repairs, the tenant can contract with the lowest bidder to have the work done.