Question 1

My landlord won't fix something — what should I do first?

Accepted Answer

Document the condition (photos / video with dates), then send a written repair-demand letter via USPS Certified Mail. Most state landlord-tenant statutes require written notice before you can invoke the heavy remedies (rent abatement, repair-and-deduct, constructive eviction). The repair-demand wizard builds the letter for you in 5 minutes.

Question 2

My landlord won't return my security deposit — how long do they have?

Accepted Answer

Most state security-deposit statutes set a fixed deadline — commonly 30 days from surrender of possession. Utah § 57-17 is 30 days. California Civ. Code § 1950.5 is 21 days. New York GOL § 7-108 is 14 days. Missing the deadline typically waives every deduction and triggers a statutory penalty (often 2x the deposit, sometimes plus attorney fees and court costs). The security-deposit demand wizard builds the letter that puts the landlord on the clock.

Question 3

I just got served with an eviction (unlawful detainer) — what now?

Accepted Answer

Move fast. Most states give you 3–7 days to respond. The court can enter default judgment if you don't file a written answer in time. Use the forms wizard to find your state's official answer form (Utah ULDR, California UD-105, NY 7-101, etc.), fill it out with your defenses (improper notice, retaliation, habitability, payment tendered, constructive eviction), and file with the clerk. The answer is $9.99 to fill via the forms wizard, or $149 with Case Pass for the full defense package.

Question 4

What is the implied warranty of habitability?

Accepted Answer

Almost every state recognizes (by statute or common law) that a residential lease includes an implied promise that the unit will remain fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy. This includes heat, water, electricity, weatherproof structure, working plumbing, no major pest infestation, and compliance with local housing codes. A landlord's breach of this warranty is the legal basis for repair, rent abatement, repair-and-deduct, and constructive eviction.

Question 5

Should I send the letter certified mail?

Accepted Answer

Yes — USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. Many state landlord-tenant statutes require written notice before invoking the heavy remedies. The certified-mail green card is your enforcement evidence. Without it, the landlord can deny receipt and any subsequent escrow, repair-and-deduct, or small-claims action may be invalidated.

Tenant rights, in writing.

Repair-demand letter

Security-deposit demand

Eviction answer (unlawful detainer)

Break a lease

Already in court — or about to be?

Talk to Counsel about your case.