Frequently Asked Questions

LandlordReply is a free online tool that helps US tenants generate professional legal demand letters in about 60 seconds. You pick your situation - security deposit, repairs, eviction, harassment - enter your details, and get a legally accurate letter with your state's exact statute automatically included. No lawyer needed.

Yes. The free plan includes 1 letter per month - no credit card required. The Pro plan at $9/month includes unlimited letters, letter history, and priority support.

All 50 US states. Every letter is automatically tailored to your state's specific tenant protection laws. Whether you're in California, New York, Texas, Florida, or anywhere else - the right statute is included automatically.

No. LandlordReply is designed for tenants who want to take action without hiring an attorney. The letters are written in professional legal language and cite actual statutes - the same language lawyers use. That said, for complex legal situations, consulting an attorney is always a good idea.

Yes. The letters cite real, current US state laws and are written in the format courts and landlords recognize. A demand letter is not a court filing - it's a formal written notice that puts your landlord on record and triggers legal deadlines. It's the standard first step in any tenant rights dispute.

In most US states, lack of hot water is treated as an emergency repair - landlords must fix it within 24 to 72 hours after written notice. In New York City, the law requires hot water at a minimum of 120 degrees F to be restored within 24 hours year-round. In California, Texas, and Florida, 7 days is typically the outside limit. Always send written notice first - the deadline clock starts when your landlord receives notice.

NYC uses a three-tier system: emergency violations like no heat, no hot water, or gas leaks must be fixed within 24 hours. Hazardous violations like mold, broken window guards, or pest infestations must be fixed within 30 days. Non-hazardous violations like broken tiles or minor plumbing must be fixed within 90 days. You can file a complaint with HPD via 311 if your landlord misses these deadlines.

If your landlord provided the refrigerator as part of your rental, they must maintain it. A broken refrigerator is typically a Class B hazardous violation in NYC - landlords usually have 30 days to fix or replace it. If it creates an immediate health risk, such as for someone who needs refrigerated medication, it can be escalated to a 24-hour emergency violation.

Generally no - not for repairs caused by normal wear and tear or aging systems. Hot water heaters, plumbing, heating systems, and appliances that came with the apartment are the landlord's responsibility. They can only charge you if you or your guests personally caused the damage.

It depends on your state - most give landlords 14 to 30 days after you move out. California: 21 days. New York: 14 days. Texas: 30 days. Florida: 15 to 60 days depending on deductions. If your landlord misses the deadline, they may owe you the full deposit back plus penalty damages of 2x or 3x the amount in many states.

Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and excessive cleaning costs. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear - faded paint, small nail holes, or worn carpet from regular use. If your landlord makes deductions, they must provide an itemized list with receipts within the state deadline.

Send a formal demand letter citing your state's exact security deposit statute. If they still don't pay, file in small claims court - it's designed for non-lawyers, costs about $30 to $100, and you can sue for the deposit plus penalty damages. Many landlords settle before the court date when they receive a proper demand letter.

The warranty of habitability is a legal guarantee implied in every US residential lease that your landlord must maintain your rental unit in a safe, livable condition. It covers hot water, heat, running water, working plumbing, freedom from pests and mold, structural safety, and working locks. It applies in all 50 states and cannot be waived by your lease.

In New York, the warranty of habitability is written into law under Real Property Law Section 235-b. It applies statewide, not just NYC, and requires landlords to keep rental units fit for human habitation and free from conditions dangerous to life, health, or safety throughout the tenancy. Violations give tenants the right to withhold rent, sue for rent abatement, and in severe cases break their lease.

Yes. If your landlord fails to fix unsafe conditions after written notice, you can sue for a rent reduction for the period conditions were substandard, plus out-of-pocket costs like hotel stays, medical bills, and damaged property. Small claims court handles many habitability cases, and an attorney is often not required.

Step 1: document everything with photos, videos, and written repair requests. Step 2: send a formal demand letter citing your state's habitability statute. Step 3: file a housing code complaint with your local authority, such as HPD in NYC. Step 4: file in small claims court if the landlord still doesn't act. You can sue for rent abatement, out-of-pocket expenses, and damages.

In many states, yes - but you must follow the correct process. Most states require you to give written notice, allow adequate time for repairs, and place withheld rent in an escrow account rather than simply keeping it. States like New York, California, and Washington allow rent withholding in some situations. Check your state's specific law before doing it.

Constructive eviction is when a landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions effectively forces you out of your home. If conditions are so severe you have no reasonable choice but to leave, many states allow you to break your lease without penalty and sue for moving costs and the rent difference between your old and new apartment.