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canibringmydog t1_jami7dd wrote

This is becoming so common here. There are protections where heat is required, but as you’re experiencing, good luck enforcing it. I’d look into the escrow account as another commenter suggested, but if I were you I would start looking for a new place to rent and break your lease. If the landlord is like this, imagine the rent increase they will try to throw at you come renewal when they actually have had to make repairs. (They can raise it to any price for any reason come release renewal. And boy do they).

Best of luck. We have been writing to state reps trying to get some movement for more tenant protections. There was also a tenant protest on Tuesday by the state house. We really need to start getting loud. We can afford $1700 rent - imagine the people who can’t and are facing these landlords. It’s disgusting.

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gamefreak9199 OP t1_jamiwdf wrote

I'd love to look for a new place to rent, it's just difficult as we have no references as this is our first time renting. Most of our savings have gone into this apartment and furnishings, so trying to get together moving funds again will take some time. We are also on a month to month lease which gives me a lot of anxiety about rent increases/eviction as retaliation.

I feel terrible for those who are dealing with even worse slumlords in the more affordable housing :(

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canibringmydog t1_jamnvq8 wrote

Oh god I feel you. I’m sorry this is your first experience renting.

Document everything. Retaliation is still illegal, though you may have trouble proving it’s retaliation and not “market increases” 🤮

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gamefreak9199 OP t1_jamqnv4 wrote

I've been photographing the thermostat every day for the past few days just to have evidence. Thankfully 99% of the communication with the landlords is through text so I have written proof of all of these issues and their response time/lack of response. I just don't even know what to do with it all. Do I just save it in case this goes to court?

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canibringmydog t1_jamxvvq wrote

Yep. I have been through small claims with a landlord before (because of course I have lol). The more documentation the better. 10/10 do recommend. I didn’t have an attorney, just my emails, messages, photos. This was for a landlord who kept 3k in deposits to renovate the place when we moved out to prepare it for sale lol we got some back, but not everything. Filing fees were minimal. Might not be a bad idea to start that process, actually. Would be even more apparent if the landlord tried to do anything retaliatory after that.

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gamefreak9199 OP t1_jar83zh wrote

I've been documenting as much as possible and I'm considering trying to write out a full timeline of events where we were without heat, water, hot water, etc just to have it for reference. Everybody I've talked to has basically told me to move out as fast as possible, so I think we'll be going that route as soon as we can afford to.

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canibringmydog t1_jarar2i wrote

It feels like a big defeat to have to move back in with family or crash with friends but if that’s an option, take it. There is no shame in that game anymore. It’s all survival now.

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