When a different limb had fallen after an ice storm this past winter, I bought a chainsaw and I did cut it up myself. But this limb is too big and is still partially attached to the trunk, and that part is way to high for me to attempt to climb a ladder to reach. The other limbs are also dead and are hanging above the roof. One good gust of wind and the tree will fall on the roof, right above my bedroom. I notified the landlord on July 6th of the problem and as of yet has only said she got an estimate. Technically the house is habitable because it hasn't hit the roof yet, but in my opinion is not very safe. Am I within my legal right to send a letter to her on August 6th, stating that if repairs are not done by my next months rent due date (August 14th), that I will have the repairs done myself and deduct them from the rent? The landlord has moved to the west coast and doesn't seem to care much about what goes on here. And has not responded to earlier minor repairs, so I've just paid for, or taken care of them myself, and avoided the aggravation. But this exceeds what I'm capable of doing myself and the cost is too high to just overlook the expense. I just don't want any legal difficulty and can't afford to seek legal advice.

