If your landlord cannot meet the repair deadline, s/he can get a deadline extension extending the required 3- or 12- day period to begin repairs IF s/he:
- gives you a good reason why the repair did not begin, AND
- s/he sets a reasonable start date.
However, this may not apply to emergency repairs.
If your landlord does not obtain a deadline extension OR does not begin the repairs within the required 3- or 12- day period, you can arrange for the repairs to be done and deduct the costs, up to $500, from your next rent payment.
- Immediately arrange for the repairs. After the 3- or 12- day period, you can have the repairs done.
- Submit all the receipts for your costs to your landlord. Deduct the repair amount from your rent. The maximum for one month is $500. You must have receipts for all costs that you deduct from your rent.