Non-Emergencies
This is a sample letter to send to your landlord if s/he fails to provide you with an essential service like heat, water or electricity. (See Questions 36 and 37.) You may deduct up to $500 for most problems, and up to $1000 for dangerous conditions where the repair is done by a professional.
NOTE: Your other option is to sue your landlord, asking for damages and an order requiring the landlord to make repairs.
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(date) Dear (landlord's name): I tried to contact you today about (explain the lack of essential services). The law says that if you do not provide me with an essential service like (fill in the service that is lacking), I can have the repairs made myself and deduct up to ($500 or $1000) from my rent (ORS 90.365). If you have not taken steps to (fill in the action that is needed) by (fill in the date - 72 hours for cooking or refrigerator appliance provided by landlord; 7 days for all other problems except emergencies - See Question 36), I will get the work done by a professional and make the proper deduction from my rent. Sincerely, (your name and address) |