When Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs: A Guide to Taking Action

Aisha was excited to move her family into their apartment in Davidson County. But soon after, she noticed problems: the heater didn’t work during winter, and a leaky pipe caused water damage in her children’s room. She reported the issues to her landlord multiple times, but her requests for repairs were ignored.

Aisha began to wonder: Was this just bad management, or could it be discrimination? Here’s what she learned and what you need to know if you’re facing a similar situation.

Is Lack of Repairs Discrimination?

While a landlord’s failure to make repairs isn’t always discrimination, it can be if it’s tied to factors like race, religion, national origin, or other protected statuses under the Fair Housing Act.

Scenarios That Could Be Discrimination

A landlord refuses to make repairs for Aisha while responding promptly to other tenants who are not immigrants.

A landlord delays repairs because they don’t want to “deal with” a tenant who speaks limited English.

A landlord makes offensive comments about Aisha’s hijab and ignores her maintenance requests.

Scenarios That May Not Be Discrimination

A landlord is slow to make repairs for all tenants due to financial constraints or general neglect.

The repair delay is due to an unavoidable issue, like waiting for parts or contractor availability.

Tip: Keep track of how your landlord treats other tenants and whether their neglect seems targeted.

What Tenants Can Do About Repairs

Aisha learned that tenants have the right to live in a safe and habitable home. If your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs, here’s how you can take action:

Step 1: Document the Issue

• Take pictures or videos of the problem.

• Keep copies of written communication with your landlord, including texts, emails, or letters.

• Record the date and time of every interaction.

Step 2: Submit a Written Request

• Write a detailed letter to your landlord explaining the problem and requesting repairs. This creates a paper trail if further action is needed.

Step 3: Know Your Legal Options

If your landlord continues to ignore repair requests:

• File a Complaint: Report the issue to your local housing authority.

• Withhold Rent: Tennessee law allows tenants to withhold rent in certain situations, but it’s critical to follow legal procedures.

• Repair and Deduct: Some tenants can pay for the repair themselves and deduct the cost from rent, but this must comply with local laws.

Step 4: Seek Legal Help

Aisha called AMAC's Hotline and learned her landlord’s neglect might be discriminatory and was connected with a housing lawyer to look into her case.

Thanks to her determination, Aisha’s landlord was held accountable. The repairs were made, and her family was able to stay in their home safely. Her story is a reminder that tenants have rights—and help is available.

Want to learn more about your rights as a tenant in Nashville?

Visit amactn.org/tenant-rights-nashville to access free resources in 8 different languages, including Arabic, Kurdish, Somali, and Spanish. Whether you’re looking for help with housing repairs, understanding Section 8, or navigating rent support programs like the ERTC, AMAC is here to support you and your family.