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Repair Request Letter
When something at your rental needs to be fixed, a clear written request gets the work done faster than a phone call you can't prove you made. LetterLotus helps you put it on paper, with the right level of detail and a reasonable deadline, so your landlord can act and you have a record.
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Writing assistance tool · Not legal advice. LetterLotus is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this tool.
Your letter
- cold tap has dripped since April 10
- reported it twice — ticket #5471
- the cabinet floor is warping
written into
The kitchen cold tap has been dripping since April 10, and the standing water is warping the cabinet floor. I reported it on April 13 and again on April 15.
I am asking for the repair within seven days, and I have listed the times I can give access.
Balanced & Thorough
How It Works
Pick your favorite draft
We generate 4 different versions of your letter, each with a different tone. You pick the one that sounds most like you.
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Make any edits you want, then download a print-ready PDF or Word document. It's your letter.
What Your Repair Request Covers
- A specific description of what needs to be repaired and where
- How the condition is affecting your use of the unit
- A reasonable deadline tied to how urgent the repair is
- Access windows so the work can be scheduled
- A request for a written response confirming the repair plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repair request letter?
A repair request letter is a written notice to your landlord or property manager asking them to fix a specific issue at your rental unit by a reasonable date. It tells them clearly what is wrong, when it started, how it is affecting you, and when you would like it fixed. It also creates a dated record that you asked.
Why should I send a letter instead of just calling?
A phone call is hard to prove later. A written letter with a date on it creates a paper trail your landlord cannot easily dispute. In most states, the implied warranty of habitability is enforced by giving the landlord written notice of the defect and a reasonable time to repair. Writing the letter is the step the law expects you to take first.
Is this the same as a repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding notice?
No. A repair-and-deduct notice announces that you will pay for a repair yourself and deduct it from your rent if the landlord does not act. A rent-withholding notice announces that you will hold rent in escrow until the unit is repaired. Both are state-regulated legal tools with specific formatting and notice rules. This tool generates a standard repair request, which usually comes first. If you intend to use those statutory remedies, consult a local tenant-rights organization or attorney for the correct form.
What if the repair is an emergency?
If there is active flooding, an electrical hazard, no heat in winter, no running water, a gas leak, a broken exterior lock, or any other immediate safety issue, call your landlord by phone first. If they do not respond promptly, contact your local code-enforcement or 311 line, and call 911 if anyone is in danger. After that, a written letter is still useful as a record, and you can use this tool to put one together that reflects the urgency.
How long should I give my landlord to make the repair?
A reasonable timeframe depends on how urgent the issue is. Safety emergencies typically warrant same-day action. Urgent failures (broken heat, refrigerator, exterior lock) typically warrant 24 to 72 hours. Routine repairs (slow drains, minor appliance issues, cosmetic damage) typically warrant 7 to 14 days. Pick a timeframe that matches the actual situation. Specific local laws may set their own timeframes.
What if my landlord does not respond?
If the letter is ignored, you can send a second written follow-up that references the first. If the issue is significant and remains unresolved, consult a local tenant-rights organization, legal aid, or housing attorney about your options. For habitability emergencies in subsidized housing, also notify your housing authority. This tool helps you create the written record, not navigate enforcement.
Is this legal advice?
No. This tool helps you write a clear, polite letter to your landlord. It does not provide legal advice, and it does not generate notices of withholding, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination. For state-specific procedures or any situation involving retaliation, discrimination, or eviction, talk to a local tenant-rights organization or attorney.
How much does this cost?
$39, one time. No subscription, no hidden fees. You get PDF, Word, and clipboard formats, plus inline editing and unlimited re-downloads.
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Important: This is a writing tool, not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Ready to Write Your Letter?
The clock on a repair starts when you put the request in writing. Send it today and keep your copy.
Writing assistance tool. Not a law firm. Not legal advice.