Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: NJ
I have a problem with a landlord who has failed to fix substantially leaking gutters and drainpipes, despite repeated promises to do so. This is in an apartment complex.
At some point, I saw a state law/code that regulates multi-unit dwellings, etc., and which made reference to the maintenance of roof drainage systems. I can't find it now. Is anyone familiar with this? Thanks.
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
What issues are resulting from the problem? Is it simply that you're annoyed that the gutters aren't working properly?
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
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Mr. Knowitall
What issues are resulting from the problem? Is it simply that you're annoyed that the gutters aren't working properly?
Roof water falls directly onto my large and regularly-used private balcony area, affecting my use of it and leaving a mess from the roof crud being directed there. The leakage is, as I said, substantial; the gutters, etc. could be removed and the problem wouldn't be too much worse.
This is not a habitability issue affecting the apartment, but the landlord's failure to maintain according to code is interfering with my normal, reasonable use of a space that I pay to lease from them.
If the gutters weren't emptying onto my balcony (or an entryway), I couldn't care less if they leaked.
This matter has been put to the landlord several times, going back a few years. This is a large, "professionally managed" apartment complex. The landlord's repeated response has been that they will get it as soon as they can. :mad: Rent is always paid on time and in full, and I don't cause any problems (other than expecting maintenance). I am tired of it and I am looking to push this forward.
Thanks.
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
if it is a code violation, call the code enforcement people
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
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jk
if it is a code violation, call the code enforcement people
I looked into that, and got the impression that the code enforcement people here will (understandably) only get involved in serious health and safety matters, or at least matters of habitability. Otherwise, it is a landlord-tenant dispute.
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
so, file for a writ of mandemus ordering the code enforcement office to enforce the code
just kidding. That is a bit extreme.
think about this winter. Will there be ice such that it is a serious safety matter?
Re: Leaking Gutter and Drainpipe
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jk
think about this winter. Will there be ice such that it is a serious safety matter?
I have thought about it, because this condition has existed in previous winters and ice has formed. But our winters have been relatively tame for the past few years, so nothing outrageous. But this winter could be different, of course.
It isn't my personal concern, because in the spirit of Mr. Knowitall's query above, I won't be out there and I don't care at that point. It is still too minor for code enforcement to get involved, I think. However, it is something additional I could throw at the landlord.