STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ico wrote:

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Hope this is the right forum to post this... I came back yesterday from another town, and my the driveway was submerged by the snow, and the steps too. This morning I had to dig my car out unless I want to go grocery shopping walking (which I'd normally do, but it's snowing and the wind is supposed to pickup later). Now the question: is it true that it is responsibility of the landlord to keep the driveway clean? Shoud I call him about htis? Also, the drier in the basement is not working. It does rotate, but the air is not hot, there must be some prob with the ignition system. I hoped it 'd be a pilot flame, so I could lighten it again, but it's a spark-kind of ignition and I don't want to get into that. I called the landlord on Sun, but he didn't even get back to me! SO, what should I do? Is it also his responsibility to fix the drier? I need to do laundry sooner or later, and the idea of walking my wet clothes to the next laundromat in the snow (yeah, I could drive there, but the park would be about as far as my hose) makes me want to wear dirty clothes (yuk. Or...go shopping to buy new ones, as if I needed another excuse) any answers and advice are really appreciated! tia

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I'm not a legal expert, but I was a property manager in a previous life...

first and foremost, read your lease.  read what you agreed to in regard to what the landlord's responsibilities are, your responsibilities, and what is deemed "reasonable time" for repairs to be made.

snow removal is typically the responsibility of the landlord - just as cutting the grass is, unless it is otherwise stated in the lease that it is your responsibility.  regarding the washer - send something in writing about the need for repair - registered mail if you don't want to mess around.  You can also call incessantly (but always sugary sweet and pleasant) so that you become such a pleasant pest that they'll do anything to get you to stop calling (persistence pays off )

another option is to offer to find a replacement washer and have the cost deducted from your rent.  I did this a long time ago when the washer in the house I was renting had the same problem (I think it's a heating filament - usually too costly to repair and the only solution is getting a new washer) - I found a old used (properly working) one for $100 and deducted the cost from my rent. If this is something you are willing to do, get the agreement in writing from your landlord.  Just proposing this solution may get them off their ass to fix/replace the washer.  If you want, you can also propose shoveling snow in an exchange for a rent reduction (find out what local kids charge for snow removal and base the amount on that).  Again, always get everything in writing - even if it's just a scrawled note on old paper - as long as it has both of your signatures, you'll be covered if you ever find yourself in a dispute.

if you have further questions, post again - give your state as well - rental laws differ from state to state.