Hi, just received a summons from my landlord. The backgroud is this:
I rented a basement apartment from him, and at first, things were fine. I put down 3 months deposit.
Within weeks, I realised a whole list of problems. Some of the major ones include:
Every few hours, flushing and water (more than just a toilet - maybe emptying a washing machine) sounds can be heard, and a disgusting smell fills the place - often so strong I have to leave.
The bathroom floor is constantly wet - water is leaking from somewhere and there is a constant puddle.
The walls in the room leak - every time it rains, the entire room and living room gets flooded - I have to mop up several buckets of water.
The A/C leaks and covers the bed in water. There are many more issues which make the place unbearable.
Due to busy schedule, I only complained a few months after moving in (April). He made various excuses about it not being his responsibility, or not believing the problems, or that I had to take the property as I found it. Obviously when I first viewed, these issues were not known.
I kept complaining, and he finally sent a handyman. The guy inspected all the problems, agreed, and said he would report back. I followed up - the LL said that there were no issues, and the handyman said it was all fine(!!).
When he told me he would not be fixing anything, I I stopped paying rent, and kept raising the issue. We spoke again, and I said I wanted to repair the problems, and also said I would move out in a month. He agreed. He send a second handyman, and again, inspected, agreed, and reported back. AGAIN, he claims that there is nothing he needs to do, and any work would be done after I moved out.
Now, he has issued a summons to go to court over 2 months rent. As I have put down 3 months deposit, the easiest way would be for him to take 2, give me back 1, and I leave.
However, out of principle, I am reluctant to pay full rent for the entire duration of my stay, while he has done nothing as a landlord. Having all my stuff soaked everytime it rains, mopping dirty water, and smelling garbage all day for months does not deserve full rent, surely! His only counter is that I stopped paying rent. However, I raised these issues well before I took that action.
Bit of a rant, but really dont know whether to fight the summons or just pay up and leave. Any advice?
Thanks