tenant refusing to pay rent until repair is made?

[Keith Jourdan]

tenant moved in 4 months ago. Has been nothing but problems. Constantly late by 10+ days.

He has yet to pay the rent this month (due on 1st). So I gave him the 7 day notice.

He is now saying he is refusing to pay because the sink and furnace are broke and is threatening to take me to court over it.

I'm willing to bet if I fix these things he still won't pay the rent. I really wish he would leave and i could find a better tenant . (Very hot rental market )

Advice ?

[Account Closed]

Dear Tenant:  

Thank you for contacting me with a list of the repairs that are needed.  I, or my crew, will be over to take a look at these repairs tomorrow.  In the meantime your rent is still due, therefore if rent is not received in my office by (the allotted time frame per your state law), then we will file an eviction against you for non payment of rent, which will go against your credit rating for a very long time.  

However,  if you feel you do not want to pay your rent until the repairs are done, then you must place your rent in an Escrow Account, to show that you have good intentions in paying your rent.  However, it must be placed into an Escrow Account within 24 hours or we will have no choice but to go ahead with the eviction process. 

Sincerely

FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY!!!

If a tenant takes you to court and tells the Judge they are not paying rent because you don't take care of the repairs, then you ask the court to have the tenant place their rent money into an Escrow Account.  This makes the tenant put their money where there mouth is.  

Nancy Neville