Legally Withhold Rent for Unresolved Repairs

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Review local laws to confirm when rent withholding is allowed for repairs.
• Document the repair with date-stamped photos and detailed written notes.
• Check your lease for terms related to repairs or required notification steps.
• Send a written repair request to your landlord by certified mail or tracked email.
• Allow the legally required response time for the landlord to address the issue.
• Log all landlord communications, noting dates, times, and contact details.
• Obtain estimates from licensed professionals to support repair urgency if needed.
• Research if your area requires rent to be paid into escrow rather than withheld.
• Notify your landlord in writing of intent to withhold rent after missed deadline.
• Keep all receipts and correspondence in case of legal dispute.
• Consult a tenants’ rights group or attorney to confirm your process is lawful.
• Prepare a summary of your actions and documents in case court becomes necessary.