Rent Withholding and Repair and Deduct

Rent withholding and repair and deduct are legal remedies that tenants may use when landlords fail to maintain the rental unit in a habitable condition or make necessary repairs. Rent withholding allows tenants to stop paying rent until the landlord corrects the deficiencies, while repair and deduct allows tenants to make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their rent. The specific procedures and requirements for these remedies vary by state, but tenants must typically provide written notice to the landlord, allow a reasonable time for repairs, and carefully document the conditions and expenses. Tenants should exercise caution when using these remedies, as improper use may result in eviction or legal liability.