What are my rights as a tenant if my landlord won't make repairs?

As a tenant, you have a legal right to a habitable living space. If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you have several options depending on your state:

Written notice: Always put repair requests in writing and keep copies. This creates a paper trail proving your landlord was aware of the issue.

Repair and deduct: Many states allow tenants to make repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent, usually up to one month's rent. You typically must give the landlord reasonable notice first.

Rent withholding: Some states allow tenants to withhold rent until repairs are made. It's usually advisable to place withheld rent in an escrow account to show good faith.

Code enforcement: You can report housing code violations to your local building or health department, which can order the landlord to make repairs.

Lease termination: If conditions are severe enough (no heat, no water, structural hazards), you may be able to terminate your lease without penalty.

Important: Retaliation by your landlord (rent increases, eviction) for exercising these rights is illegal in most states. Document everything and consider consulting a tenant's rights attorney.