Apartment hits 100°F+ because AC keeps tripping the breaker, landlord says just use less AC. Out of ideas. (New Haven)
Looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a habitability issue in CT.
My roommate and I rent an apartment in New Haven. The unit is on two circuits, but nearly everything (bedrooms, bathroom, living room) is on one of them, so running the AC trips the breaker constantly. We have called maintenance around 12 times. Their electrician came out, replaced the breaker twice, and told us that we “will probably not be able to keep all of your rooms air conditioned.” Their solution is for us to just run less AC and be careful about usage.
The result is that the apartment is currently unlivable. It has hit 100 to 105°F inside. I ended up in the emergency room after heat exposure at home, got IV fluids, and was kept overnight. We also have a dog who has been panting and showing signs of heat stress. Right now we are both crashing at friends’ places because it isn’t safe to be there.
We have documented everything: temperature readings with photos, the full email thread, medical records, and the electrician’s own statements. We submitted a formal written complaint to the management.
What I’m trying to figure out is what actually moves the needle here. A few specific questions:
- Has anyone gotten results from New Haven’s Livable City Initiative or the Fair Rent Commission? Worth it?
- What actually got your landlord or management company to act?
- At what point is it worth talking to a tenant lawyer?
Not trying to start a fight, I just want a livable apartment or a way out. Any advice from people who have been through this in NH would help. Thanks.