Rental Apartment with a Leak
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Hello, We live in a rental apartment, and about three weeks ago, a significant leak started in the building. We alerted the landlord, but nothing was done. Gradually, the leak spread into the apartment, and even then we warned that it would damage the walls and ceiling, yet nothing was done. At the beginning of the week, it seems something burst in the pipes, and our house is flooded, dripping from all sides. It is currently impossible to live in the house, and we have temporarily moved to our parents. The issue is being handled by the landlord (he came to see the situation and understood the severity, so things have started to move a bit), and there is minimal damage to property since we moved the furniture in advance. Are we supposed to pay him rent for this period? We don't know how long it will take to fix the problem. Can we temporarily move to another apartment and demand that he pay the cost?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
Answer from the judges of the House of Halacha:
For the period you are not living in the apartment, it is clear that you do not need to pay rent. Thus, you can rent another apartment and deduct the cost.
For the period you are living in cramped conditions, if there is no room that cannot be used at all, you need to pay the full amount, but if there is a room unfit for living, you should deduct the relative amount.