NC rental property question...landlord says they don't have to provide working AC?

[Pretty in Pink]

We rent a single-family home in NC. We've been here since March 2009. The air conditioning has been screwy ever since we moved in but, thus far, the rental agency has serviced the unit when it quit working.

 

So, it's been serviced six times since we moved in. The last time was ~ 4 weeks ago. At that time I was told by the maintenance coordinator at the rental office that they are not required by law to provide us with working AC in this state.

 

How do I find out if this is true? I've been waiting for 24 hours now for their repair man to show. It's been 90+ degrees in my house the entire time, even overnight with the windows open. We are literally dripping sweat. The heat index today is ~ 110 degrees. We have no shade on this property.

 

ETA: The property was listed as having 'central heat and air'. I thought that might be relevant.

[Dobela]

Call legal aid or the housing authority in your area. It may come down to what is in your lease unfortunately.

[Nakia]

Check this out http://www.ncrec.state.nc.us/publications-bulletins/Renting.html

 

 

From this site:

The landlord is responsible for some repairs, and the tenant for others. For example, the landlord must

 

Comply with local housing and building codes;

Do whatever is necessary to put and keep your apartment in fit and habitable condition;

Maintain in good, safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other facilities and appliances which he has provided, and promptly repair them when you notify him in writing they are in need of repair (except in cases of emergencies);

Keep all common areas in safe condition; and

Provide and install smoke detectors and replace batteries at the beginning of your tenancy.

[Renee in NC]

The landlord is not required to provide A/C, BUT he is required to keep an existing A/C working (if it was working when you moved in.)

[Pretty in Pink]

Yes, it was working when we moved in.

[Renee in NC]

Yes, it was working when we moved in.

 

I removed this because I was wrong. ;-)

Edited August 6, 2010 by Renee in FL

[Ellie]

Yes, it was working when we moved in.

In California, renters have reasonable expectations that things that are in their homes actually work. So if, for example, the home has a dishwasher, the renters can expect it to work. If there is AC already there, they can expect it to work. It's possible NC is the same.

 

In California, renters can have reparis done and deduct that amount from their rent. It is not often done, 'cuz landlords tend to get their knickers twisted over it, but it's legal. It may be the same in NC. I know that when we offered to have my mil's AC fixed and deduct the repairs from her rent, the landlords jumped right in and got the danged thing fixed.

[Renee in NC]

In California, renters have reasonable expectations that things that are in their homes actually work. So if, for example, the home has a dishwasher, the renters can expect it to work. If there is AC already there, they can expect it to work. It's possible NC is the same.

 

In California, renters can have reparis done and deduct that amount from their rent. It is not often done, 'cuz landlords tend to get their knickers twisted over it, but it's legal. It may be the same in NC. I know that when we offered to have my mil's AC fixed and deduct the repairs from her rent, the landlords jumped right in and got the danged thing fixed.

 

That is not legal in NC - you cannot withold rent at all.

 

See this:

 

http://www.ncdoj.com/Files/Consumer/landlord-tenant-booklet.aspx

[Pretty in Pink]

I am going to make an appointment with the base legal office (we are military) and see what they have to say. I think they can help with tenant/landlord disputes.

[Renee in NC]

I am going to make an appointment with the base legal office (we are military) and see what they have to say. I think they can help with tenant/landlord disputes.

 

The management office isn't Wellons Realty is it (or connected to them in some way?)

 

And, yes, base housing will help you.