- 1). Review your state and local landlord-tenant act, as well as your rental agreement. You can better present your case to both your landlord and outside authorities if you can show where where your landlord's conduct violates either the law or the terms of your lease. The landlord-tenant act can also let you know if you are required to take a specific action, such as sending your landlord a written notice informing him of your complaints, prior to going to court or withholding rent. You can find a copy of your state's landlord-tenant act on your state legislature's website. Additional information and clarification can often be found on the websites of your state bar association, attorney general's office, and Legal Aid Society.
- 2). Document the problems that you are having with your landlord. Take photos of building code violations, mold or other damage. Write down the times, dates and details of problems such as loud noises or your landlord entering the property without giving you proper notice. Collect the names and contact information for any witnesses, and make sure that you have copies of your canceled rent checks and receipts. All of these will be useful if you have to go to court or present your case to the authorities.
- 3). Send a formal letter to your landlord that outlines your complaints. Be polite, but also direct, and carefully list each of the problems that you are having with the landlord or your home. You should also list the ways in which the landlord's conduct or neglect is in violation of your lease or landlord-tenant law. Give the landlord a date by which she needs to respond before you take further action. Send the letter via certified mail and request a return receipt.
- 4). Ask at your county clerk's office if landlord-tenant mediation services are available. If they are, you may be able to settle things with your landlord without having to go to court.
- 5). Contact the tenant union or Legal Aid Society in your area. They are used to dealing with landlord-tenant problems and can advise you about your rights. They can also refer you to a lawyer, if you need one, or can show you how to file a court case on your own.
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