problem with landlord repairs and discrimination

If you really feel like there are clear proof of discrimination you can file a complaint with Hud.  However, I’m not sure they would consider doing much as the landlord had agreed to rent to you in the first place, so proving any discrimination can be very difficult.
 
For the other issues you are having with your landlord, you can file a complaint with the RPA.  Look at the top of the page– you will see an option to file a landlord complaint.
 

Please call your local attorney General’s office of Consumer Affairs, they handle landlord/tenant issues.

Also get in contact with the Department of Liscenses and Inspections and inform then of your situation regarding your roof. Be sure to take pictures and date them. Inform your landlord of the situation in writing, and send it, AND ALL correspondence via certified mail with return receipt requested.

I cannot emphasize enough the fact of sending all correspondence to your landlord in writing, and keep and copy any correspondence they send to you.

The Fair Housing Act dictates that there be equality in housing and no discrimination. Contact the ACLU, and a civil rights attorney for a consultation regarding discrimination.

Look online for Indiana State Codes re landlord obligations and tenant remedies. Familiarize yourself with your tenant rights and the laws regarding your state. Reread your lease and make a copy of it.

If you decide to got o court take the following:

ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO YOUR CASE ( LEASE, CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES OF CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN YOU AND LANDLORD WITH DATES AND TIMES, AND PICTURES

MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING AND NEVER GIVE ANYONE YOUR ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS OR PICTURES. (NOT EVEN YOUR LAWYER). THE COURTS WILL MOST LIKELY BE IN YOUR FAVOR IF YOU HAVE ACCURATE AND CONSISTENT DOCUMENTATION, PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AND PHOTOGRAPHS.

TAKE SOME OF THE MATERIAL FROM YOUR COLLASPED ROOF, PLACE IT IN A BAG, DATE IT, AND TAKE IT TO COURT WITH YOU.

THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE YOUR LANDLORD SITTING IN A CAR OUTSIDE-TAKE A PICTURE OF THEM IN THE CAR, AND GO OUT AND GET THE TAG NUMBER AS WELL. MARK THE PICTURES WITH A DATE AND TIME.

REMEMBER YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH EVIDENCE OR DOCUMENTATION.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS WAS HELPFUL.

I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY, BUT I DO HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS. SHOW THIS TO YOUR ATTORNEY AND VERIFY THAT THE INFORMATION IS INDEED CORRECT. GOOD LUCK, AND DO NOT LET THIS SITUATION GO UNCHALLENGED.

GO TO THE COURTHOUSE AND FILE A COMPLAINT AND SUE THEM IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT. YOU DO NOT NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR SMALL CLAIMS COURT, BUT MAY ELECT TO HAVE ONE IF YOU CHOOSE. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE RULES FOR FILING IN INDIANA SMALL CLAIMS COURT.

YASMEEN