Landlord Refuses to Fix: What You Can Do When Repairs Are Ignored

When your landlord refuses to fix, a landlord who fails to address urgent repairs in a rental property, it’s not just annoying—it’s often illegal. In most places, landlords are legally required to keep rentals safe and livable. That means fixing broken heat in winter, leaking pipes, mold, pest infestations, and faulty electrical wiring. If they ignore your requests, you’re not out of options—you’re just getting started.

Many tenants don’t realize that repair requests, formal notices sent to landlords demanding maintenance must be in writing. A quick text or verbal comment won’t cut it. You need a dated email, letter, or certified mail that clearly describes the problem and gives a reasonable deadline. This creates a paper trail. Without it, you can’t prove you tried to solve the issue before taking further steps. Also, don’t assume your lease says they don’t have to fix things. Most states override lease terms when it comes to habitability. Even if your lease says "as is," the law still requires basic living conditions.

When a landlord still won’t act, your next move depends on where you live. In Virginia, for example, you may be able to withhold rent after following strict legal steps—like giving notice and depositing rent in an escrow account. In other states, you can pay for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from rent. Some places allow tenants to call code enforcement, which can force inspections and citations. And if the problem is severe—like no running water or broken locks—some jurisdictions let you terminate the lease early without penalty. But skip the drama. Don’t break the lease on your own. Don’t stop paying rent without legal advice. And never make unauthorized changes. Your goal isn’t to punish your landlord—it’s to get the fix done while protecting your rights and credit.

Related issues like rental agreement, the legal contract between tenant and landlord outlining responsibilities and housing conditions, the physical state of a rental property affecting safety and livability are often tied to this problem. If your landlord won’t fix the AC in summer or the toilet keeps backing up, those aren’t just inconveniences—they’re violations of the implied warranty of habitability. That’s a legal concept that exists in almost every state. It means your home must be safe, clean, and functional, no matter what your lease says.

The posts below cover real situations where tenants pushed back and won. You’ll find how to handle rent increases after reporting repairs, what to do if your landlord retaliates, how to document damage with photos and videos, and how to use local housing laws to your advantage. Some stories are from Virginia, others from Maryland and beyond—but the principles are the same. Landlords can’t ignore the basics. You have power. You just need to use it the right way.