How can I know that my apartment is habitable?

By Tenant

The responsibility of a landlord is to make sure that he keeps his rental property in good shape and is suitable for human habitation before letting someone decides to rent it. If the property has been already rented and it became somewhat uninhabitable to the tenant, then the tenant has the right to terminate the signed lease agreement.


If you are thinking of renting a new apartment, here are some tips to make sure that the house or apartment is habitable:

  • It must be structurally stable. When you do a walk through to the property always check every feature of the house especially the roof for any damage. You can ask the property owner about the history of the unit so that you will know what possible problems you will encounter to throughout your stay in the unit.
  • It must be free from any serious disorder. Once you know the history of the house you can check and double check the areas where a certain repair was done to be sure that it was done correctly. You can hire a professional for assistance on this one.
  • It must be free from mold and other harmful pollutants that can damage the health of the tenant. You can also hire a professional for assistance on this one.

If you find any of these on the property during your walk through, you have to inform the property owner immediately.  They can repair the property to make sure it is inhabitable and you can either go through with renting the property or find another one to rent.

Another case is that if you are already living in the property and you find that the property is no longer inhabitable, you have to notify the property owner and he is given an opportunity to do repairs to put the property back into a suitable condition for human.

Edited on: Friday, September 13th, 2013 10:58 am

15 Responses to “How can I know that my apartment is habitable?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Jordan

March 9th, 2013 12:20 am

Can I terminate my lease early?


Alejandro

March 9th, 2013 9:20 am

Am I reliable if the property became unfit?


Halina

March 9th, 2013 6:20 pm

Would I be able to get a refund of my rent if this happen?


Donald

March 10th, 2013 3:20 am

Is my landlord somehow responsible for the property being unfit?


Kayleigh

March 10th, 2013 12:20 pm

Is it legal for my landlord to keep my deposit?


Bernita

March 10th, 2013 9:40 pm

It sucks to have this problem.


Alonso

March 11th, 2013 6:40 am

It sure is a big fuss having to move out


Timmy

March 11th, 2013 3:40 pm

Who can determine if the property is uninhabitable?


Polly

March 12th, 2013 12:40 am

Can I sue my landlord for this?


Jordon

March 12th, 2013 10:00 am

Does a leaking roof counts?


Dorotha

March 12th, 2013 7:00 pm

I have leaking ceilings in my apartment and my landlord refuse to pay for the repairs. Can I file a lawsuit and deem the property not suitable for living?


Lashaun

March 13th, 2013 3:40 am

My landlord uses paint that contains lead


Warren

March 13th, 2013 12:40 pm

If I determine that the property is unfit


Lionel

March 13th, 2013 9:40 pm

Who will I call to determine if the house is habitable for humans?


James

March 14th, 2013 6:40 am

Can my landlord pay for my temporary relocation while he repairs the house?


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