This is more a long rant than anything else, so if you're expecting something more than a vauge question about renting an apartment, tune out now...
Anyway, I live in an old apartment building. I've lived here for over three years, haven't had any problems, always paid rent on time, etc. About 3 months ago the cement roof in the bathroom started leaking. I called the landlord, he brought in a plumber, and they smashed out the roof, leaving the pipes exposed and rusty colored water laking into the sink. I think there is also something growing on the exposed bricks and occasionaly cement drips from the roof on to the floor.
Over the last 3 months, the landlord has had a plumber in a few times, and theyve replaced the toilet above me, etc, etc. Last time the plumber was here, i heard him tell my landlord that the next step was to rip out the bathroom ceiling, as the dripping was as strong as ever despite all the repairs above me. This was about a month ago. I hesitated to move out because the apartment is in a great location and the price is really reasonable, and he's strung me along, alwways telling me that they're trying something else. In reality, the plumber just comes in and says the ame thing every 2 weeks or so. It became clear he was just avoiding what obviously needed to be done because it was so expensive.
Anyway, by about 2 weeks ago I've had enough, call him up and very calmly and reasonably tell him it's nothing personal but if it's not fixed by the end of the month I can't justify paying him rent anymore. He then calls a few days later and basically tells me he doesn't know what to do next. I say fine, I'm moving out at asap. he very maturely hangs up on me. fine, whatever.
today i get a notice telling me that i have to pay sept rent (even though im moving out in 2 days) . i call him up and tell him it;s ridculous,'m not being provided a reasonable place to live and i 'm not paying anymore. then 3 months of frustration comes out, i rip him a new one and tell hime to stick his rent up his a**.
Talking to a few friends in the real estate and law business, apparently i might be technically right but it'll be almost impossible to not get it taken to court and have fees, etc.
basically i'm grudgingly going to pay rent, call the housing authority and health department about the possible mold....any lawyers or real estate guys have any sugggestions on how i might be able to get something back out of this? i really don't care about the money, it's more the principle of the thing.
sorry for the long rant, hopefully i'll at least get some constructive advice though....