Lazy Landlord Darkens Apartment Experience
DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been living in my apartment for over a year, and I really love it: the location, the space, my neighbors and the fact that the rent is so cheap. The only problem is my landlord. Every time I submit a maintenance request, it takes weeks for anything to get fixed. I've had leaky faucets, a broken heater in the middle of winter, and now a dishwasher that hasn't worked for over a month. When I follow up, I either get vague responses or get ignored completely. I've tried to be patient and polite, but it's starting to feel like my concerns don't matter. I've even offered to find my own repairperson and deduct it from rent, but I was told that's "not allowed."
I pay my rent on time every month and have never caused any issues, so it's frustrating to feel like I'm being brushed off. I really don't want to jeopardize my lease renewal or come across as a "problem tenant," but this is starting to affect my comfort and peace of mind in a serious way. How can I advocate for myself and push to get these repairs handled promptly without risking my good standing with my landlord or losing an apartment I otherwise love? -- Landlord Concerns
DEAR LANDLORD CONCERNS: Now is the time to get the help of your city. You can call 311 and report your landlord. Have a list handy of all of your issues. Make sure to articulate your concerns clearly and be able to prove that they have not been addressed. Gather any texts or written messages that exist between you and your landlord to serve as proof of your claims.
Sometimes tenants can put their rent in an escrow account, meaning it doesn't go to the landlord immediately but is withheld and stored in a safe place until repairs are made. Consult a lawyer before taking that step, however. You do have rights. Don't let your landlord intimidate you. Get help.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister-in-law invited me to join her for her bachelorette trip to the Virgin Islands. While I didn't want to miss out on a trip to the Caribbean, I was a little hesitant because I really don't know any of her friends. Eventually, she ended up telling me I could bring a plus-one if I'd like. I took her up on her offer and invited a friend of mine who had been telling me how much she needed a getaway. Though we're close, I had never traveled with this friend either ... and I don't think I ever will again. She put a damper on the entire trip. She complained about work, the food, the heat, her dog, her co-workers, the sand, the excursions and even her creaky back door back at home.
I felt horrible for bringing this dark cloud to what was supposed to be a fun-filled trip. My sister-in-law reassured me that she still enjoyed herself, but I feel awful! How can I make it up to her? -- Party Pooper
DEAR PARTY POOPER: What a drag. It's good that you apologized on behalf of your ill-mannered friend. There really is nothing more you can do. Your sister-in-law knows your remorse is heartfelt. Stop bringing it up and let the memory fade.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2025, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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