This form is used by a tenant to inform the landlord of a problem with the lease premises, specifically failure of the heating system. With this form, the tenant notifies the landlord that he/she/it has breached the statutory duty to maintain the property in tenantable condition and demands that immediate repairs be made.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Notice of Broken/Unsafe/Inadequate Heater and Demand for Immediate Remedy Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to a critical issue that requires your immediate attention. The purpose of this letter is to formally notify you that the heater in my rented unit at [property address], which I have been occupying as a tenant, is broken, unsafe, and inadequate. Given the plummeting temperatures in Sioux Falls, South Dakota during winter, having a functioning and safe heating system is pivotal for maintaining habitability and ensuring my well-being as a tenant. Unfortunately, despite my attempts to resolve this matter informally, the heater has failed to function effectively, compromising my comfort, safety, and health. The following issues demonstrate the urgency and severity of the situation: 1. Ineffective Heating: The heater fails to adequately warm the premises, resulting in an uncomfortably cold living environment. The temperature inside the unit remains significantly lower than what is necessary for proper living conditions, making it impossible to comfortably carry out daily activities. 2. Safety Concerns: I have noticed several alarming safety concerns associated with the malfunctioning heater. These include unusual noises, a persistent burning smell, and intermittent power outages. These factors not only affect my safety but also pose a potential threat of fire hazards which requires immediate attention. Considering the gravity of the situation and my rights as a tenant, I hereby demand the following immediate actions: 1. Prompt Heating System Repair: I kindly request that you immediately arrange for a licensed and certified HVAC professional to assess and repair the heating system. The repair work should fully restore its functionality and ensure a safe living environment. 2. Timely Repair Completion: I expect the repair work to be completed as soon as possible, ideally within [specific time frame, e.g., 48 hours], to prevent any further inconveniences and hardships arising from the inadequate heating. 3. Alternative Heating Arrangements: In the event that the repairs cannot be completed within the specified time frame, I kindly request that you provide alternative heating arrangements, such as portable heaters or temporary accommodation, until the repairs are successfully finalized. 4. Compensation for Inconvenience: The lack of adequate heating in my rented unit has caused me significant distress, discomfort, and inconvenience. Therefore, I also request consideration for appropriate compensation, either in the form of rent reduction or reimbursement for additional heating costs incurred due to this issue. Please be advised that the failure to take immediate action to remedy the broken, unsafe, and inadequate heater may constitute a violation of my rights as a tenant under the rental agreement, as well as the local and state laws governing landlord-tenant relationships. I kindly request a written response specifying the actions you intend to take to address this matter. Should I fail to receive a satisfactory response within [reasonable time frame, e.g., 72 hours], I may have no choice but to seek legal remedies to ensure my rights as a tenant are upheld? I sincerely hope that we can resolve this matter amicably and swiftly, and I look forward to your prompt attention to this urgent issue. Should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Yours sincerely, [Your Name][Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Notice of Broken/Unsafe/Inadequate Heater and Demand for Immediate Remedy Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to a critical issue that requires your immediate attention. The purpose of this letter is to formally notify you that the heater in my rented unit at [property address], which I have been occupying as a tenant, is broken, unsafe, and inadequate. Given the plummeting temperatures in Sioux Falls, South Dakota during winter, having a functioning and safe heating system is pivotal for maintaining habitability and ensuring my well-being as a tenant. Unfortunately, despite my attempts to resolve this matter informally, the heater has failed to function effectively, compromising my comfort, safety, and health. The following issues demonstrate the urgency and severity of the situation: 1. Ineffective Heating: The heater fails to adequately warm the premises, resulting in an uncomfortably cold living environment. The temperature inside the unit remains significantly lower than what is necessary for proper living conditions, making it impossible to comfortably carry out daily activities. 2. Safety Concerns: I have noticed several alarming safety concerns associated with the malfunctioning heater. These include unusual noises, a persistent burning smell, and intermittent power outages. These factors not only affect my safety but also pose a potential threat of fire hazards which requires immediate attention. Considering the gravity of the situation and my rights as a tenant, I hereby demand the following immediate actions: 1. Prompt Heating System Repair: I kindly request that you immediately arrange for a licensed and certified HVAC professional to assess and repair the heating system. The repair work should fully restore its functionality and ensure a safe living environment. 2. Timely Repair Completion: I expect the repair work to be completed as soon as possible, ideally within [specific time frame, e.g., 48 hours], to prevent any further inconveniences and hardships arising from the inadequate heating. 3. Alternative Heating Arrangements: In the event that the repairs cannot be completed within the specified time frame, I kindly request that you provide alternative heating arrangements, such as portable heaters or temporary accommodation, until the repairs are successfully finalized. 4. Compensation for Inconvenience: The lack of adequate heating in my rented unit has caused me significant distress, discomfort, and inconvenience. Therefore, I also request consideration for appropriate compensation, either in the form of rent reduction or reimbursement for additional heating costs incurred due to this issue. Please be advised that the failure to take immediate action to remedy the broken, unsafe, and inadequate heater may constitute a violation of my rights as a tenant under the rental agreement, as well as the local and state laws governing landlord-tenant relationships. I kindly request a written response specifying the actions you intend to take to address this matter. Should I fail to receive a satisfactory response within [reasonable time frame, e.g., 72 hours], I may have no choice but to seek legal remedies to ensure my rights as a tenant are upheld? I sincerely hope that we can resolve this matter amicably and swiftly, and I look forward to your prompt attention to this urgent issue. Should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.