As a renter in Arkansas, can I reduce my rent payment because of repairs not completed?

Question

I'm a renter in Arkansas. My apartment has a dishwasher and microwave, neither of which have worked for about a month. (I didn't abuse them; they're just old.) Since it shouldn't take an entire month to fix these things, I'm considering withholding some token amount of my rent (say, a hundred dollars) until they're fixed.

Am I within my rights as a renter in Arkansas to do this? If not, what can I do?

(I'd appreciate an answer other than "talk to a lawyer." I know I can talk to a lawyer. I just don't want to take a step like that for something relatively minor like this. Thanks.)

Answer 1

No. It is never acceptable to withhold rent. It's also not a good idea to get into a p*ssing contest with your landlord.



He/she may be in the wrong, but it's in your best interest to make sure you come to an amicable solution.



Come to think of it... those things may fall under "normal wear and tear" which might be your responsibility to repair.

Answer 2

Actually renters may be able to withhold rent if appliances are not working, But check you lease. Mine state that if an appliance breaks down it is the tenants responsibility for repairs. Microwaves seldom fail unless someone started it with nothing inside. Had a dorm with 75 students and only time the microwave failed is for starting with it empty



The dishwasher might have too much food in the bottom, and if That is the problem you will be charged for repairs.



Here is a site that will intrest all here. http://realestate.findlaw.com/tenant/tenant-resources/tenant-rent-security-deposit-protect-cleaning.html



You are allowed to withhold for a time, but you better have all your ducks in a row.. Plus you WILL loose your place when the lease is up.. Almost a bet.

Answer 3

Tenants can not just arbitrarily withhold rent without permission from the courts....and usually is only granted on habitability issues..of which a none working dishwasher and micro are not. The proper way to address this situation is to send the landlord a letter...certified...outlining repairs needed. BTW...double check your lease agreement...most state that the tenant is responsible for repairs to appliances.

Answer 4

In general if a tenant looks to withhold rent based upon a material breach by the landlord, the tenant needs to escrow the monies at the time rent is due and owing, to show that the tenant is willing and able to pay but for the landlord's breach

Answer 5

Never withhold any monies on your own. Look in the phone book for renters rights

also here is a site

Arkansas



Statute link:



Arkansas Code- Landlord/Tenant

Navigate to Title 18, Subtitle 2, Chapter 16



http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=blr:code

Answer 6

curiously, they have paid hire, they're purely continuously late. Is there a late fee charge stipulated interior the hire, and if so, did they pay that? With month-to-month tenancy, 30-day written notice is sufficient to terminate tenancy. they have a hire. consequently you first could desire to concern a three-day pay or cease notice - if hire is due via 10th & they have not paid, you may concern that notice on the eleventh. ought to have achieved that this month, since that's the 0.33 month of continuously late money. in the event that they do no longer pay interior of those 3 days, then you certainly can proceed to record eviction action with the courtroom. confident, they shop violating due date for hire on the hire, yet you nonetheless could have a concern pursuing this. flow to the library and learn landlord-tenant regulation on your state. confident, you may get them evicted, yet reckoning on how tenant-friendly your state's rules are, you have got a conflict on your palms. they could be clever adequate to stay one step past to you.