Apartment does not meet MA Sanitary Code
Hello, I recently signed a studio condo for rent (10 month lease). Paid pro-rated rent for this month and the lease already started few days ago. Went to check the unit, which did not have multiple defects that are not fixed as promised by the landlord, one of which includes window repair, as none of the windows does not open/close even an inch. In addition, there are no screens installed for the windows.
According to the state (MA) law, it states that the rental units need to have a functioning window & screens installed for the summer & fall. I made these complaint to the landlord ASAP, and he promised me that the repairs will be done to match the state law/ Sanitary code, however Im not sure when the work will be completed. Is this a valid reason to not pay him the rent money until the day when the repair work gets finished?