"Tenant Traps"

Here's some words of rental wisdom from Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart, the authors of "Renter's Rights: The Basics."

Never agree to put up with a rental unit that lacks basic health and safety features such as heat, plumbing, hot water and weatherproofing.

Never push for repairs before figuring out whether it's a habitability problem or a minor repair.

Never delay in reporting major repair problems.

Never use a "big stick" (such as withholding rent) to prod a landlord into action without first telling them of the problem and giving them a reasonable time to fix it.

Never use a big stick if you are behind in the rent, have an unauthorized roommate, or are violating some other important tenant obligation.

Never make a big deal over a minor repair unless you are prepared for an uphill fight with your landlord.

You have a right to livable housing.  It's called the landlord's "implied warranty of habiltability".  This means your landlord has promised you a livable place simply by renting it to you.