Don't drive tenants to repair and deduct.  Though it will mean the repair gets done with little effort on your part, a repair that isn't done well could cost you in the long run.  Moreover, when tenants use repair and deduct, you have no receipt with your name on it to prove the expense for tax purposes.


Reporting code violations to housing inpectors.

A tenant may complain to a local building, health, or fire department about problems such as inoperable plumbing, a leaky roof, or bad wiring.  If an inspector comes out, you may be ordered to correct the problem-and subjected to a fine or penalty if you don't do so within a certain amount of time (often five to 30 business days). 


Filing a lawsuit.

The tenant may sue and ask the court to order a rent refund for the period that housing conditions were substandard; payment of repair cost of property lost or damaged as a result of the problem (for example, furniture ruined by water leaking through the roof); compensation for personal injuries caused by the problem and attorney fees.  In some states, tenants may also get the court to order you to repair the defects, with rent reduced until you show the court proof that you have remedied the defects.