How to Deduct Rent for Repairs You Make Yourself

In some states and under certain circumstances, renters can deduct the costs of making minor repairs from their monthly rent. Here are the steps you need to take to do this correctly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Financial Calculator
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Envelopes
• Notebooks
• Personal Organizers
• Stationery
• Writing Pens

1. Contact your landlord and explain the nature of needed repairs to your unit. Document the problem in writing by sending your landlord a letter that clearly explains your repair request.
2. If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time period, send a second letter (certified mail, return receipt requested to prove receipt) advising you'll make the minor repairs yourself and deduct the cost from your rent if the landlord does not comply within a certain time period.
3. If your landlord does not comply with your second request, try to get a signed agreement from the landlord that authorizes you to make the repairs and to deduct the repair costs from your rent.
4. If your landlord still does not respond, make the repairs yourself and keep a copy of all receipts.
5. Deduct your repair costs from your rent and give your landlord a copy of all receipts.
6. Try to obtain a signed receipt from the landlord that states your rent has been paid in full for the month that you deducted the repair costs from your rent.
7. Allow or invite the landlord to inspect and approve your repairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect yourself by knowing landlord-tenant laws in your area. Some local and state laws place limits on the dollar amount of repairs you can deduct, restrict the repair costs to a percentage of your monthly rent or require inspections by housing authorities to prove the repairs are needed.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence for your personal records.
• Don't jeopardize your rental rights by making repairs yourself until you consult a real estate attorney about landlord-tenant laws in your state. You may risk getting evicted if you withhold rent to cover the costs of cosmetic repairs not approved by the landlord or repairs that normally require the skills of a licensed contractor.