One of the challenges of being a landlord is keeping on top of all repairs that can crop up. A lot of things can go wrong, especially if your building is a few decades old. They probably are not your fault, yet you must meet your contractual obligations to ensure the premises you rent are livable.
What is the warranty of habitability?
This set’s out New York City tenants’ rights to a “livable, safe and sanitary apartment.” It is not something you can get around by adding clauses to your lease contract, either. A court would rule your contract invalid if it contains clauses that go against the city’s warranty of habitability.
What if my client caused the damage themselves?
Let’s say your client no longer has hot water in the shower because they smashed the pipe during a drunken party or while trying to install a bigger shower head. Is it your responsibility to repair it?
No, it is not. If you can show the client caused the issue, then they are responsible for getting it repaired. That does not mean they might not try to force you to do it, which is why legal help will be crucial.
Landlord-tenant disputes can easily escalate, especially when you are unsure of your rights and obligations. Getting legal help to understand where you stand enables you to deal with disputes more quickly. Knowing when to stand firm and when to pay the costs of maintenance or repair work costs reduces the chance things end up in court.
