Unhealthy living conditions in rental property can i refuse to pay rent iowa law?

[hwistlere31]

Currently we are living with our children in unhealthy living condtions.There is a hole in our kitchen ceiling caused by rain,basement has flooded due to rain with more holes in the basement ceiling also our thermestate that controls the central air does not work, as well as several things that are broken. My question is do I have to pay rent if these things are broken and if not is there a procedure to telling the landlord to fix it or is there a procedure in Iowa?

[forde]

Currently we are living with our children in unhealthy living condtions.There is a hole in our kitchen ceiling caused by rain,basement has flooded due to rain with more holes in the basement ceiling also our thermestate that controls the central air does not work, as well as several things that are broken. My question is do I have to pay rent if these things are broken and if not is there a procedure to telling the landlord to fix it or is there a procedure in Iowa?

[nickson]

You need a court order first, a judge has to agree with you. Your only challenge in court will be that you are willing to live there with your children, you should move out and then sue.

[montrel68]

What does the landlord say about all of this?

Personally, I think your rental is uninhabitable.

I would prepare to move instead of staying in a dilapidated house that is falling apart.