|
Q.How should a tenant give notice to a landlord?
A.Regardless of your purpose, whether it is to inform or notify about a condition or to advise the landlord of your intent to avail yourself of the repair and deduct remedy, the abandonment remedy, or the withholding of rent remedy, the tenant should send the notice via certified mail return receipt requested with a copy by first class mail. The notice should be signed and dated and written in the form of a letter describing in detail the problem(s) with the rental unit, the affect it is having on its occupants, and the repairs that are required. The tenant should always retain a copy of any and all notices sent to a landlord.
Although it may be necessary to immediately inform a landlord if there is an emergency (plumbing back-up, flood, etc.), whenever notice is given via telephone, fax, or email it should always be followed with a signed and dated written notice in the form of a letter sent via certified mail that not only a describes in detail the problem(s) with the rental unit, the affect it is having on its occupants, and the repairs that are required, but also the other attempts the tenant has taken to inform the landlord (e.g. voicemail message, fax and email).
If the landlord or a manager is willing to accept notice in person, the same written notice described above may be personally delivered so long as the landlord, manager, or agent is willing to date and sign (or initial) the tenant's copy of the letter so , if necessary, the tenant can later prove the landlord received the notice.
If in response to your written notice the landlord or the manager telephone you, make sure you write down the date, time and take copious notes of the details of such conversations.
|
|
