No one should have to live in unsafe, unhealthy, or uninhabitable conditions. Yet, too often, landlords cut corners, ignore tenant complaints, and prioritize profit over people. They assume tenants won’t fight back—won’t know their rights, won’t have the resources to push for change, and won’t be able to challenge them in court. But they’re wrong.
I have spent my career standing up for people who have been ignored and taken advantage of. I have fought powerful institutions that use their influence to crush those without money, connections, or political clout. When landlords violate the law and leave tenants in dangerous conditions, they deserve to be held accountable. If you are living in an unsafe rental, here’s how you can fight back.
Understanding Your Right to a Safe Home
Landlords are legally required to provide tenants with a safe, livable home. This is known as the warranty of habitability—a legal principle that requires rental properties to meet basic safety and health standards. If your landlord fails to meet these standards, they are violating the law.
Unsafe living conditions can include mold infestations, lack of heat or air conditioning, pest infestations, plumbing or electrical failures, structural hazards, or broken security features like locks and windows. If these issues make your home unlivable and your landlord refuses to fix them, you have legal options to force them to act.
Many tenants don’t realize that even if their lease doesn’t specifically mention repairs or safety obligations, the law still requires landlords to provide a habitable living space. You don’t have to accept dangerous conditions just because your landlord is ignoring your complaints.
Document Everything and Report the Problem
When landlords neglect repairs, documentation is your strongest weapon. Keep a record of everything—dates of complaints, photos of the unsafe conditions, and any responses (or lack thereof) from your landlord.
Send written requests for repairs via email or certified mail so there is proof of your communication. If your landlord ignores you, escalate the issue by reporting the violations to your local housing authority or code enforcement office. Many cities have departments responsible for inspecting unsafe rentals and enforcing housing laws.
If conditions pose an immediate health or safety risk, such as exposed wiring, gas leaks, or major structural damage, call your local building inspector. In some cases, emergency intervention can force your landlord to take action immediately.
Withholding Rent and Repair-and-Deduct Laws
If your landlord refuses to address unsafe living conditions, you may have the legal right to withhold rent or use repair-and-deduct laws to fix the issue yourself and subtract the cost from your rent. These options depend on state and local laws, but they are powerful tools to hold landlords accountable.
Withholding rent means refusing to pay until necessary repairs are made. However, you must follow legal procedures—placing the withheld rent into an escrow account and providing written notice to your landlord. Simply refusing to pay without documentation can put you at risk of eviction.
Repair-and-deduct laws allow tenants to pay for critical repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their rent. This is useful when landlords fail to fix major issues like broken heating in winter or plumbing failures. Always check your local laws before taking this route to ensure you are protected.
Suing Your Landlord for Negligence
If your landlord continues to ignore serious safety hazards, you may be able to sue for breach of the warranty of habitability or negligence. Lawsuits can force landlords to make repairs, compensate you for damages, or even terminate your lease without penalties.
You may have a strong case if your health has suffered due to unsafe conditions—such as respiratory illnesses from mold exposure or injuries caused by structural defects. Keep medical records, repair estimates, and all correspondence with your landlord to strengthen your claim.
Filing a lawsuit may seem daunting, but courts recognize tenants’ rights. Landlords rely on intimidation and legal complexity to keep tenants from fighting back. A strong case can not only get you justice but also set a precedent that prevents future abuses.
Fighting Back Against Retaliation
Many tenants fear that if they report violations, their landlord will retaliate by raising rent, refusing to renew their lease, or trying to evict them. But tenant protection laws exist to prevent this.
In most states, landlords cannot legally retaliate against tenants for reporting unsafe conditions or exercising their legal rights. If your landlord tries to evict you in response to your complaint, you may have a strong defense under anti-retaliation laws.
Know your rights and don’t back down. Landlords who engage in retaliation often rely on the assumption that tenants won’t push back. By asserting your rights and seeking legal support if needed, you can turn the tables on them.
Taking Action and Standing Up for Your Rights
Unsafe housing conditions are unacceptable, and landlords who ignore their legal responsibilities should be held accountable. If you’re facing a negligent landlord, don’t suffer in silence—document the issues, report violations, and take legal action if necessary.
I have spent my career fighting for people who thought they had no options. I’ve seen firsthand how the law can be used to protect those who need it most. If you are living in unsafe conditions, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Know your rights, fight back, and demand the safe, livable home you deserve.
About the Author: Nick Harrison is an attorney, advocate, and public servant who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice. He has gone head-to-head with powerful institutions, challenging discriminatory policies, defending veterans, and standing up for those who have no one else in their corner. From taking on high-profile legal battles to helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate complex legal issues, he brings both fierce advocacy and unwavering support to those he represents. His work has not only changed lives—but changed laws. With experience in litigation, policy reform, and leadership under pressure, Nick is committed to using the law as a force for good and ensuring that no one is left behind.
