If something in your apartment needs repair:
- Tell your landlord as soon as possible. The best way to do that is in writing (including email).
- Ask your landlord when a repair person will be coming to fix the problem. It is important for you, or someone, to be home so you can make sure the repair person can get into the apartment.
Your landlord must fix the problem within a reasonable period of time.
If your landlord refuses to make the repairs, you can call your town or city Board of Health to ask for an inspection. A Housing Inspector will examine your home to see if it follows the state Sanitary Code. If there are violations, an inspector can order your landlord to make repairs within a certain time. In many cases, landlords will make the repairs.
If the problems are serious, like you have a plumbing problem or no water or heat, tell the Board of Health. By law, they must try their best to come within one business day.
Protect yourself:
Take photographs or videos of the problems. Write down the date and time when you took the photo or video.