Landlord Neglects Septic Repairs

Summary

Alabama tenants have the right to withhold rent if landlords fail to make necessary repairs. Written proof of repair requests is crucial. Landlords must maintain habitable premises. Consult your lease for specific maintenance responsibilities.

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I rent a trailer in the trailer park 30 days ago I asked the landlord to fix the septic tank because septic was coming up through every drain in my house it's been 30 days and haven't heard anything from him till today and he still won't do anything to stop this problem the water is coming out from behind my trailer on the trailer up on the hill where it's leaking and coming all down in front of my door and down the street he sees this doesn't care two and a half months ago my girlfriend fell to the washroom floor and broke her knee I had to replace four different rooms in in this trailer the floors because of the press wood getting wet from there being no wood on the outside walls the only thing holding the siding up in places is where it's nailed at the bottom and nailed at the top I'm asking to fix that I can't get him to fix anything the rent that I paid back for it almost a year I paid my rent on time now all these problems and I can't get even face anything I've had to come out of my own pocket to fix the floors so that we'd have something to walk over flip my ropes in I don't know what to do I need some help
What state are you located in, ****? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.
Theodore Alabama *
What steps have you taken so far to address this issue with your landlord? In Alabama, tenants have the right to withhold rent if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs.
This is the first month I haven't paid my rent I have it in my pocket but I'm not going to pay it until he gets this septic fixed I can't keep living like this I haven't been able to use my own toilet in 30 days I have to go to the store to go to the bathroom
Have you notified your landlord in writing about the septic issue? In Alabama, it's important to have written proof of such requests.
No I talked to him in person and over the phone he doesn't come down here but once a month and that's to collect the rent and we hardly ever seen he won't come personally he'll talk on the phone I don't know where to send it the the written thing too because he gives us no address he's a property manager is what he is the owners are investment group I called the health department they told me that they would send letters to the owners to have this fixed but it could be months this is not good for my girlfriend and I'm *% disabled and we're stuck here no matter what we're stuck here because we can't afford to move and he knows that
Do you have any written lease agreement with the property manager or the investment group?

In Alabama:
- Landlords are required to maintain habitable premises.
- Tenants can withhold rent for failure to provide essential services.
Yes we do
What does your lease agreement say about maintenance and repairs? In Alabama, landlords are legally required to maintain habitable premises.
I'm not sure I'd have to get my girlfriend to take it out and see I can't even cut my grass because the septic water is deep about ankle deep and it cuts out in the lawn mower every time I hit it it swings feces everywhere no I have to step through this species to get into my trailer from the trailer up above me
What does your lease agreement say about the landlord's responsibility for repairs and maintenance?
I don't know I have to get back to you on that I'll go find it and read it and then I'll tell you
Sure, take your time. It's important to know what's written in your lease agreement about the landlord's responsibility for repairs and maintenance.