Can I make a deduction from my rent if my landlord left me in a house with a damaged furnance that prduced no heat for over 5 weeks?
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Can I make a deduction from my rent if my landlord left me in a house with a damaged furnance that prduced no heat for over 5 weeks?
Asked on November 13, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, you can't do this. Tenants can sometimes withhold from rent to pay for vital repairs the landlord does not do after notice of the condition/situation and an opportunity to repair, but after the situation has been resolved, the tenant may not credit him/herself for living with the situation. What you could do, if you want to seek compensation, is to sue the landlord and let the court determine whether you are entitled to a rent credit and, if so, how much--but you cannot unilaterally give yourself the credit.
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