Probably because if you don’t pay rent you can end up evicted and then functionally barred from living anywhere.
Thats when you start putting your rent into escrow and tell the landlord he can have it when the place is fixed. The courts will probably support you in this as long as you’re actually paying to an escrow account.
… You think a single mom, with a family of 3, all of which have been seriously negatively affected health wise by the mould, who is paying probably paying two different rents simultaneously, has the time and money to afford a lawyer and accountant?
Even if its settled in small claims court without lawyers, bare minimum you’re probably going to want to consult with one.
If you aren’t paying your rent, you’re going to end up in court. If you put that money in escrow the courts will see that you are operating in good faith while the landlord isn’t. They’re going to side with you. No need to get lawyers or accountants involved.
Or you dont be your own lawyer and follow legal advice, which is probably to fulfill the contract you signed when you rented the place and sue for what you are due after the fact.
These types of claims are handled in small claims where neither party has a lawyer. As long as you actually have the money in escrow you should be fine.
If the landlord is breaking the lease first by not fixing things you aren’t in the wrong for withholding payment until the issues have been fixed.
