Connecticut Request for Repair to Landlord
Tenants in Connecticut have a right to live in a safe and habitable home and the landlord has a responsibility to ensure that all the necessary repairs and maintenance are well tended to make this possible. To ensure a livable and safe home for the tenant, the landlord must make repairs and maintenance on the property which includes making repairing worn out floors, doing regular repainting, mold removal, repairing leaking roofs and taking care of issues like rat and bedbug infestations. It is also the responsibility of the landlord to monitor and do regular maintenance on electrical, sewerage, ventilation and plumbing systems to ensure they are fully operational. It is always advisable to understand your property lease provisions as a tenant and make sure that the clause doesn't restrict you from demanding for repairs when needed.
The Connecticut laws only holds the tenant responsible for making repairs on damages that are beyond normal wear and tear such as broken windows resulting from your negligence, bent shower rods broken wall mirrors and replacing common light bulbs on the property. If you have always complied to the lease agreement including paying your rent on time, the landlord too has an obligation of ensuring that your home is habitable, clean and safe.
It is your right as a tenant to request the landlord to make repairs and maintenance on the premise as required by Connecticut housing laws. This letter clearly highlights the duties of the landlord in accordance to the state laws and reminds them that it is in their best interest to make sure that the repairs are tended to as soon as possible.
Can you repair and deduct in Connecticut?
The Connecticut state laws allows tenants to make deductions ("repair and deduct") on their rent as expenses to cover repair costs if the landlord neglects their duties and responsibilities of making the necessary repairs. Under the implied warranty of habitability, a tenant can also withhold rent payment until all the damages on the property are repaired. A repair request letter is however a more effective way and cordial approach that gives the landlord a chance to make repairs before you make any legal stance.
For future reference, it is best to save a copy of this letter and also send it via certified mail to get a return receipt.
