Landlord Dispute Resolution Steps

Summary

In Utah, landlords must maintain habitable conditions. Document all issues and communications with your landlord, including texts and photos. Send a formal written notice requesting repairs. If ignored, contact Utahs Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection. Consider consulting a lawyer about wrongful eviction. The Division of Consumer Protection handles complaints regarding landlord-tenant disputes and ensures compliance with state laws. You can also check online platforms for past tenant reviews on your landlord.

Full Conversation

Having landlord issues.
Hi ****! Sorry to hear you're dealing with landlord issues. Could you please provide more details about the specific issues you're facing? This will help me give you better information.
When I moved in, there was no hot water for three days. I also found a severe pest infestation and an overgrown yard. Despite notifying the landlord, he ignored my request to fix the issues and never followed through on his promise to clean up the yard. I handled both problems on my own. Then, a leak from my bathroom to the kitchen started, causing a hole in the kitchen ceiling. Almost two months later, the leak still isn’t fixed. The landlord blamed the toilet, but there’s been no issue with it. I offered to fix it myself but he declined. The landlord also made false claims after neighbors complained, threatened eviction, and accused me of housing people without permission. He recently threatened eviction again, citing a false report from USPS about my children's father living here. He has not addressed the leak or any concerns, only making accusations. Given the situation, especially with my young children during the holidays, I’m worried about wrongful eviction.
Hey ****, sorry you're dealing with this. In Utah, landlords must maintain habitable conditions. Here's what you can do:
- Document all issues and communications with the landlord.
- Send a written notice requesting repairs.
- If ignored, contact Utah's Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection.
- Consider consulting a lawyer about wrongful eviction.
Do you have written documentation or photos of these issues?
Do texts count as written
Yes, texts can count as written documentation. Be sure to save all messages exchanged with your landlord as they can be useful if you need to provide evidence.
Do you have any photos or videos to support your claims?
Yes
Hey ****, it's good that you have texts and photos as documentation. Here's what you should do next:
- Continue documenting all issues and communications.
- Send a formal written notice (certified mail) to your landlord requesting repairs.
- Contact Utah's Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection for further assistance.
- Consult with a lawyer about potential wrongful eviction.
Would you like more details on how to contact the Division of Consumer Protection?
I have our text thread proving these statements.
Hey ****, here's some general advice based on your situation:
- Document Everything: Save all texts, photos, and videos related to the issues.
- Send Written Notice: Formally request repairs in writing, highlighting the urgency.
- Contact Authorities: Reach out to Utah’s Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection.
- Know Your Rights: Utah law requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions.
- Consider Legal Help: Consulting a lawyer could be beneficial for wrongful eviction threats.
Would you like information on how to contact the Division of Consumer Protection?
Does this seem like harrassment?
Yes, it seems like harassment and potential wrongful eviction. Here are the key points of your situation:
- Lack of maintenance (hot water, pest control, leak).
- Ignored repair requests.
- Threats of eviction based on potentially false claims.
- Harassment through neighbor surveillance.
You should:
- Document everything.
- Send a formal written notice for repairs.
- Contact Utah’s Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection.
- Consider legal counsel for wrongful eviction.
Would you like contact information for the Division of Consumer Protection?
yes

Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: consumerprotection.utah.gov

Would you like information on how to find a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant disputes?
what do they do?
The Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection, handles complaints regarding landlord-tenant disputes. They can assist in ensuring landlords comply with state laws regarding habitable living conditions and address any unfair practices, such as harassment or wrongful eviction.
Would you like contact details for the Division of Consumer Protection?
I would

Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.dcp.utah.gov

Would you like any additional guidance on what to include in your complaint, or do you have any other questions about your landlord's responsibilities?
Can I find out past tenants reviews on him?
You could try checking online platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or even local community forums for reviews from past tenants. Additionally, you might want to ask neighboring tenants about their experiences. Would you like more information on how to file a formal complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection?
?
Hi ****! To find out past tenant reviews on your landlord, you can try:
- Checking online rental review sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or Apartments.com.
- Asking neighbors or contacting previous tenants if possible.
- Searching local tenant rights forums or groups on social media.
Would you like more suggestions or have any other questions?
this
Hey ****, here's a suggested response to your landlord's text:
"Dear [Landlord's Name],
I have received your recent messages. I would like to clarify that the father of my children and my sister are only visiting temporarily for the holidays. Additionally, the unresolved maintenance issues, including the leak and pest infestation, need immediate attention as they affect the habitability of the property. I request you to address these matters promptly.
Thank you,
****"
Would you like additional advice on handling the situation?
What should I respond to his text about htis
Hey ****, you can respond to your landlord's text by clearly stating your position and reminding him of your rights. Here's a suggestion:
---
Hi [Landlord's Name],
I understand your concerns, but I want to clarify that the father of my children and my sister are only staying temporarily for the holidays. I respectfully request that you address the outstanding maintenance issues immediately, as they are affecting the habitability of the property.
Thank you,
****
---
Remember to keep all communications documented. Let me know if you need further assistance!