Sample Letter: Demanding Repairs

(DATE)

Dear (Landlord's Name),

It has been over two months since I moved in at (current address).  In this time, you have made no repairs on my apartment.  I have spoken with you over the phone about these repairs twice now (give dates if possible). You told me you would get to it soon; that was more than two weeks ago. According to Michigan law, you are required to maintain my apartment in reasonable repair and keep it up to the standards of the state and local housing codes.  I am taking this time to inform you in writing of the needed repairs.

   1. The toilet overflows, forcing me to clean up and plunge it every time it is used.
   2. The oven has not worked properly since I moved in.  It does not heat over 200 degrees.
   3. There is no peephole on my front door.  The Ann Arbor City Housing Code requires that you install one in the door.

I trust you will take rapid action in correcting these problems.  If the repairs are not made within two weeks, I will be forced to seek other solutions, including withholding my rent until the repairs are made and/or requesting an inspection from the city's Housing Inspection Bureau.  Before making these repairs, please inform me in writing as to who, when, and why someone will be entering my apartment.  I have a right to privacy.

I hope it will not be necessary to take any further action regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

(Name and Address of For more information on writing sample letters to resolve problems with your landlord you can view other articles on this site: Sample Letter 1: Withholding Rent, Sample Letter 3: Demanding Return of Security Deposit, Sample Letter 4: Disputing A Late Fee, Sample Letter 5: Disputing Deductions From Security Deposit, and Sample Letter 6: Negotiating A Rent Reduction as Compensation.


To learn more about housing rights in Michigan and where to get help:    

Consult the Michigantenants.org website for local housing resources and tenant counseling services. 

Consult the Michiganlegalaid.org website for legal education articles and local service information.

If you received court papers or otherwise need free or low cost legal advice:


This article appears courtesy of the Michigan Tenants Counseling Program.