Will I be sorry?

[renterinmi]

I asked about who should pay the bill, but here's my new question. My rent is $1000/mo. I asked the landlord if I could take the $218 for the bill for the water softener that didn't work from the day we moved in(that I feel she should pay)out of rent if I pay it, she said no. We squandered over the issue for a minute, and she said she would have to talk to her son. Since the company keeps sending me the bill, I don't want bad credit from them, so I plan on paying her $782 for rent, and pay the $218 bill off....Can she take it to court......In our contract it states that we pay for any damage we do, or for things that need fixed due to our usage over time, but we were not responsible for any more than that. I feel since it didn't work from the start, she should be responsible....it is hers, she did buy it.........thanx for your time.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

If you do not pay your full amount of rent, you may find yourself in a bigger pickle of a mess.

Your landlord may file for eviction based on nonpayment of the full amount of rent.

And yes, if you go to court over this, you may win. But is the hassle and stress of court worth it?

Gail

 

[jacksgal]

Witholding of rent is tricky business. Google your states rental statutes or contact a Tenant/Landlord Attorney. If you do this wrong, if at all, you can face more serious issues.