Landlord won't make repairs
Understand your landlord's duty to repair, the time limits that apply where you live, and prepare a formal repair request you review and send yourself.
Free information · Document $9.99
Start the guided questionsFree results first. You only pay if you choose a document.
General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
Landlords must keep rental homes safe and livable, and repair problems within a reasonable time after you tell them. The details, and what you can do if they don't, depend on your state.
Your rights in plain language
The landlord's duty
Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.51(1). Your landlord must comply with applicable building, housing and health codes.
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.51 — Landlord's obligation to maintain premises(opens in a new tab)
New York
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-b. Every residential lease includes a warranty of habitability: the right to a livable, safe and sanitary home.
Verified source: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide(opens in a new tab)
Time to repair
California
30 days from giving notice to the landlord (presumed reasonable time to repair)
Verified source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 — Repair and deduct(opens in a new tab)
Florida
7 days from delivering written notice of the problem to your landlord
Verified source: Fla. Stat. § 83.60 — Defenses to action for rent or possession(opens in a new tab)
Texas
7 days from the landlord receiving your notice (presumed reasonable time to repair)
Verified source: Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies(opens in a new tab)
If repairs aren't made
California
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942. If the landlord doesn't make needed repairs within a reasonable time after notice, you may be able to repair and deduct the cost from rent, up to one month's rent, with limits.
Verified source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 — Repair and deduct(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Place | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | Time presumed reasonable for the repair ends: 30 days (giving notice to the landlord (presumed reasonable time to repair)) | |
| Florida | Landlord's 7 days after your written notice end: 7 days (delivering written notice of the problem to your landlord) | |
| Texas | Time presumed reasonable for the repair ends: 7 days (the landlord receiving your notice (presumed reasonable time to repair)) |
The official process
Record the problem
Take dated photos and write down when it started and how it affects you.
Tell your landlord in writing
Send a dated request listing each problem, and keep a copy.
Allow the time your state requires
Your landlord gets a period to make the repair, which depends on your state and how serious the problem is.
Escalate
If nothing happens, ask your local code enforcement office to inspect, and get help before using remedies like withholding rent.
Common mistakes
- Only telling the landlord by phone.
- Withholding rent without following the exact legal steps.
- Not keeping photos and copies of everything you send.
Rules where you live
- Landlord won't make repairs in California
- Landlord won't make repairs in Florida
- Landlord won't make repairs in New York
- Landlord won't make repairs in Texas
Somewhere else? Start the guided questions and choose your state: we'll show free information and people who can help.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalized results are free. If you want us to prepare a repair request for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Can I stop paying rent until repairs are made?
Only in some states and only after strict steps, such as written notice and a waiting period. Doing it wrong can lead to eviction, so check your state's rule and consider getting help first.
Which states can you prepare a letter for?
Right now: Florida, California, New York and Texas. For other states we show free information and people who can help.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- LawHelp.orgPlain-language guides and legal aid directories, by state.
- Legal Services Corporation: find legal aidFree civil legal aid organizations in every state, for people on lower incomes.
- Florida Law HelpFree legal information and legal aid offices in Florida.
- LawHelpNYFree legal information and legal aid programs in New York.
- TexasLawHelp.orgFree legal information, forms and legal aid offices in Texas.
- California Courts Self-Help GuideThe California courts' official guides to handling a legal problem yourself.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- Fla. Stat. § 83.51 — Landlord's obligation to maintain premisesThe Florida Senate · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Residential Tenants' Rights GuideOffice of the New York State Attorney General · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1942 — Repair and deductCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Fla. Stat. § 83.60 — Defenses to action for rent or possessionThe Florida Senate · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential TenanciesTexas Legislative Council · checked Oct 24, 2026
Ready to see your options?
Answer a few questions. You'll get free personalized results, with your deadlines, before you decide on anything.
Free information · Document $9.99
Start the guided questions