Okay to deduct repairs from rent (with LL permission)?

[phase08]

What is the name of your state? OH

About 6 months ago I moved into an apt in an area I really like. I’m acquainted with a few people at the property mgmt from several yrs. ago. The downside has been they are terrible when it comes to maintenance. I kept paper trail re: messages, also copies of letters I wrote asking status of repairs. I have always paid my rent on time; no problem there.

In May I got exasperated and hired a handyman (very reasonable rate and very efficient) to do a few things, and I bought materials. I finally was able to actually talk to someone at the office (he happens to be the owner’s son-in-law, and I’m on a very friendly basis with the owner but never called him to complain). The man I spoke with apologized and said they’ve had a lot of staff turnover, etc. etc. . . . whatever. I sent copies of receipts for handyman and materials totaling $220 and asked for reimbursement. Today I got a call saying that I can deduct from June rent (which I already paid full rent amount), OR deduct from July rent. I asked for written authorization to do this, and received a confirmation e-mail (which I printed for my records).

Okay – so my question is: is this all I need? I’m happy to finally get some action and I don't want to sound paranoid or look a gift horse in the mouth, but just want to be sure it’s okay to deduct July rent since they gave me permission to do so. Lease doesn’t say anything about this. Just dotting “i”s/crossing “t”s. Thanks.

 

[BL]

What is the name of your state? OH

About 6 months ago I moved into an apt in an area I really like. I’m acquainted with a few people at the property mgmt from several yrs. ago. The downside has been they are terrible when it comes to maintenance. I kept paper trail re: messages, also copies of letters I wrote asking status of repairs. I have always paid my rent on time; no problem there.

In May I got exasperated and hired a handyman (very reasonable rate and very efficient) to do a few things, and I bought materials. I finally was able to actually talk to someone at the office (he happens to be the owner’s son-in-law, and I’m on a very friendly basis with the owner but never called him to complain). The man I spoke with apologized and said they’ve had a lot of staff turnover, etc. etc. . . . whatever. I sent copies of receipts for handyman and materials totaling $220 and asked for reimbursement. Today I got a call saying that I can deduct from June rent (which I already paid full rent amount), OR deduct from July rent. I asked for written authorization to do this, and received a confirmation e-mail (which I printed for my records).

Okay – so my question is: is this all I need? I’m happy to finally get some action and I don't want to sound paranoid or look a gift horse in the mouth, but just want to be sure it’s okay to deduct July rent since they gave me permission to do so. Lease doesn’t say anything about this. Just dotting “i”s/crossing “t”s. Thanks.

Request the agreement/authorization in a letter form .

Thank them for their understanding , and give your appreciation from the e-mail , but state that you prefer to have the authorization / agreement in letter form , signed and dated .

Keep the e-mail , and deduct if they will not . ( keep it even if they do with the written form ).

 

[applecruncher]

I agree with BL, verbatim. Maybe a technicality, but I think they should just sent you a check in the mail. I’d think they would want to, for accounting purposes. On the other hand, you’re lucky they went along with it. (An acquaintance of mine spent about $100 of her money on a repair that LL delayed on, told LL in advance she was going to do it, no reply, then she never got her money back and didn’t want to bother with small claims court.)

Kudos to you for 1-keeping good documentation, 2-going thru channels 3-being patient 4-not complaining directly to actual owner since you know him. All this worked in your favor, and the business relationship remains good.

Bottom line: regardless of how they want to do it, you get your money back.