Can I withhold the rent if the landlord violates the lease or fails to provide maintenance?
No! There is no legal reason to withhold a rent payment. The lease agreement is a binding contract in which you agreed to pay the rent, so non-payment or withholding of the rent is as much of a violation as the landlord’s alleged violation. If you have a complaint, first make it in writing to your landlord. You may also file a complaint with the Consumer Affairs Division or call 703-222-8435, TTY 711.
