Sample letter informing the landlord in writing that a repair is needed and of your intention to make the repair and deduct the cost from the rent.

George Landlord
15 Glory Lane
Happyville, USA

Re: 1568 Raven Road, unit 116

Dear Mr. Landlord:

On April 15th of this year the window in the kitchen of this unit was broken when the child living in unit 15 threw a baseball through it. I notified you of the damage on the evening of April 15th.

You told me that it was not your fault and that I had to get the tenant in unit 15 to pay for the window. I told you this was not true and that you are responsible for fixing the window and charging the tenant in unit 15.

Even though this is your responsibility, I asked the tenant in unit 15 to repair the window. She told me that she can’t afford to do it. I request that you make this repair by April 20, [year]. The broken window is causing heat loss and allowing dampness into the unit.

If you don’t make the repair within that time, I will pay to have the window repaired and will deduct the cost of materials and labor from my next month’s rent.

Sincerely,
Louise Tenant