BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The dangerously hot weather has some of you turning to us for help with AC issues in your apartments. So, what do you do if your AC is out and you’re having trouble getting it fixed? Renters do have some rights in Alabama when it comes to issues affecting health and safety.
A viewer reached out to us this week saying her air conditioning went out in her apartment in late May. She says it’s 80 to 90 degrees inside forcing her to temporarily live with a relative. She reached out to her apartment management but so far they haven’t fixed her AC. So, she reached out to us for help.
The viewer is not alone. This time of year, we usually get plenty of calls and emails from renters with similar problems.
You do have rights. By state law, tenants have a right to a decent place to live. Housing codes must be up to par. The AC must be in good working order among other things. If management isn’t responding to your complaints, attorney Ken Riley says let them know about it in writing and keep a copy.
“They (tenants) can’t just go fix it themselves. They have to notify in writing - and that can be through an email - the problem,” Riley said.
Riley says landlords have 14 days to fix the issues.
“If the landlord fails act within 14 days and repair that issue. Make sure the person has air conditioning then the tenant can be released from their lease by law,” Riley said.
We did reach out to the apartment management on the AC issue we told you about.
As a renter, you have to pay your rent on time even if you have issues that need to be fixed. You also have to keep your place clean.
You can find a list of renter’s rights here.
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As an expert in tenant rights and housing regulations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the rights and responsibilities outlined in the article by Josh Gauntt, published on June 14, 2022. My expertise in this area is rooted in a deep understanding of state laws, legal precedents, and practical applications that empower renters in situations like the one described.
The article addresses a common concern among tenants in Birmingham, Alabama, who are grappling with malfunctioning air conditioning units during dangerously hot weather. The individual case mentioned involves a tenant whose AC has been non-functional since late May, leading her to seek assistance from the apartment management, ultimately reaching out to media for help.
In Alabama, tenants are granted specific rights under state law to ensure they have a habitable living environment. Housing codes, as mentioned in the article, mandate that essential amenities like air conditioning must be in good working order. To corroborate this information, I can draw upon my extensive knowledge of Alabama's housing regulations, emphasizing the legal obligation of landlords to provide tenants with a decent place to live.
Attorney Ken Riley, cited in the article, serves as a reliable source of legal guidance. He emphasizes the importance of notifying the landlord in writing about the issue, giving them a 14-day window to rectify the problem. Failure to address the concern within this timeframe, especially in the case of essential amenities like air conditioning, could potentially release the tenant from their lease obligations.
Furthermore, my expertise extends to the practical advice given to tenants, emphasizing the significance of documenting communication with the landlord, preferably through written means such as email, and retaining copies for reference. This aligns with legal best practices and enhances the tenant's position in potential legal proceedings.
The article also highlights the obligation of tenants to continue paying rent on time, even when faced with unresolved issues. This underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of tenant rights and responsibilities, an aspect I am well-versed in.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of tenant rights, housing codes, and legal processes enables me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented in the article. I am confident in my ability to navigate the complexities of tenant-landlord relationships, legal obligations, and the practical steps tenants can take to assert their rights in situations affecting health and safety.
