Getting Things Fixed - Part I
by: Developed from materials provided by the University of Wyoming Students' Attorney
How to Get Things Fixed
Getting Your Landlord to Make Repairs Part I
Your landlord has certain duties
- He must keep the common areas safe and clean. (Common areas are areas everyone uses, like courtyards, laundry rooms, and hallways.)
- He also must keep electrical, plumbing, and heating systems running and in good order.
- He must make sure that there is hot and cold water.
- Your lease will tell you if your landlord has to fix other appliances like the stove or refrigerator.
*Remember, you can also bargain with your landlord for a lease that says that the landlord will have to repair all appliances.
Your rent must be paid in full
If your rent is not paid in-full your landlord does not have to make repairs. In fact, he can evict you. In some states it is legal to withhold your rent until your landlord makes needed repairs. This is not true in Wyoming.
If you withhold rent in Wyoming, your landlord can evict you. This is true even if the landlord has not upheld his end of the bargain. Under Wyoming law you have to ask your landlord to make repairs.
You must ask twice actually. For more information on this, see [Getting Your Landlord to Make Repairs- Part II].
If you're at fault
Your landlord doesn't have to repair things broken or damaged by you. If you, your family or friends break things, you must pay for the damage.
Your landlord can refuse to make the repairs
- If the repairs cost too much your landlord can evict you rather than make the repairs.
Note: If your landlord does not make repairs and your stuff ends up getting ruined your landlord may have to pay for it. Your landlord probably will not have to pay for things of sentimental value, like photographs.
- If your landlord is going to evict you instead of make repairs he must notify you in writing.
- He has to give you enough time to find other housing.
- You get at least 10 days to move. You get no more than 20 days to move.
- Rent will be prorated, meaning that you shall only owe rent up until the day you leave.
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