Repairs and habitability: your rights
Your home must be livable — heat, water, working plumbing, and safe conditions. Report problems in writing with dated photos, and learn your state's process before withholding rent or repairing-and-deducting. For dangerous conditions, get help first.
Educational — information, not legal advice, and not attorney-reviewed. Rules depend on your state, city, and lease; the app shows the verified rule for where you live.
What this means
Landlords generally must keep rentals fit to live in, a duty often called the implied warranty of habitability. That usually covers heat, running water, working plumbing and electrical, and freedom from serious hazards. Who fixes what, how fast, and what you can do if they don't are set by your state.
Following the right process matters: many states require written notice and a chance to fix before you can withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or break the lease. Skipping steps can put you at risk, so document everything and check the rule for your state.
What to do
- Report the problem in writing and keep a copy.
- Take dated photos or video of the condition.
- Learn your state's repair process before withholding rent.
- For no heat, gas leaks, or unsafe wiring, reach help first — safety comes before any tool.
Your rights vary by state
The specific deadlines and limits are set where you live. Start with your state:
Common questions
Turn this into action.
Renter Shield shows your state's verified rule, drafts calm letters, tracks deadlines, and keeps your evidence private on your device — free to start.