Your home is your castle. It should be a safe place to escape the stresses of the outside world. A place where you can feel comfortable and protected. Unfortunately, poor landlord and neglected repairs will result in unsafe living conditions. If your landlord is consistently promising repairs, but never fulfilled it, then you can sue your landlord. Keep reading the text below to find out the way to sue your landlord for unsafe living conditions.
Steps to Sue a Landlord for Unsafe Living Conditions
Here are some steps to sue a landlord for unsafe living conditions:
Step 1: Collect Evidence
Early in the process, you must begin collecting evidence of the issue. So, start by collecting as much evidence as you can. To collect evidence of the issue, you can take pictures or record video of the damage, and make copies of any communication between you and your landlord. Also, you must save receipts or invoices for repairs you are forced to handle yourself. The receipts or invoices may help you show a pattern of negligence over time. Aside from that, signed estimates from third party professionals can also benefit you, particularly if your landlord refused to follow their suggestions.
Step 2: Hire a Lawyer
Having collected all your evidence, it is time to hire a lawyer. Also, this applies even when filing in the Small Claims Court that prohibits legal representation. You should have at least one consultation with a lawyer who can assist you review the details of your case. A consultation with a lawyer can assist determine the potential benefits of legal action.
Also, you need to determine your claim. It is the value you intend to sue for. You may want to make a claim, ask for a reimbursement, or consider a rent waiver. A lawyer can assist you decide how to present evidence, how to argue the facts, and what type of arguments you might anticipate that can help prepare you for court and secure your victory.
Step 3: File Your Lawsuit
Please take your folder of evidence and go to the nearest County Clerk’s office. Tell the clerk that you want to file a civil suit against your landlord. She or he will ask you some basic questions about your case, including what you are suing for and how much compensation you intend to seek. This assists to ensure they give you the right forms and/or schedule you into the correct level of court.
You must fill out the forms correctly and carefully. If you feel more comfortable, then you can bring the forms to your home, and ask your lawyer to help you with this step. Do not worry, you do not have to submit them right away. When it is time to file, you can return the forms to the County Clerk’s office. You will be asked to pay a small filing fee. If you win, you can ask the courts to give you additional compensation for this amount.
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