Tenant hits you up at 10:43 PM:

“FYI I didn't pay rent last month because the fridge light was out. LMK if you’re gonna fix it.”

First off: Who’s living in their fridge?

Like it's Narnia: Section 8 Edition?

You can’t sit quiet for weeks and then come outta nowhere like,

“Hey, rent’s canceled 'cause my ketchup was in the dark.”

This ain’t Domino’s.

You don't get to eat the pizza then complain it was cold.

Here’s the deal:

Rent doesn't stop for problems a tenant keeps to themselves.

If it’s bad enough to hold rent, it’s bad enough to speak up.

Silence isn't a defense.

You snooze, you pay.

Literally.

By Landlord Legal

Lights out, that's issue #160 of The Brief.

We get tenant calls each week wanting to sue their landlord.  First, we confirm they're not Legal Plan Members (they never are).  Then we ask if they got a lead paint disclosure (they never do).

If your house is pre-1978, don't forget the lead paint disclosure — it's federal law.

DISCLAIMER: Heads up - none of this is legal advice. We share stories and laughs about legal stuff for Landlords.  Do your own homework and stay safe out there!