I am a resident of an apartment complex in Fort Myers, FL, and I recently experienced a difficult hardship. For 23 days straight, I was unable to shower in my own home due to maintenance issues. This affected 23 other apartments with families and children.

The lack of basic amenities like hot running water is a violation of tenant rights under the law. Yet, despite this clear infringement on our rights as tenants, we are still expected to pay full rent without any concessions from the landlord or property management company.

The pool was unusable for 8 weeks and counting due to the complex putting in a higher fence. This should have been done in one day, but was drawn out over 7 weeks. Currently awaiting for their new signage to arrive and be put up before it will be opened for use.

The trash compactor goes out from time to time. The trash spills out of the container, down the steps, into the driving area. It stinks, maggots crawl all over it, and it is difficult to fight the gag reflex when taking your trash down.

According to the U.S Census Bureau's American Housing Survey (AHS), approximately 2% of renters across the country have experienced extended periods without essential services such as hot water or electricity. This translates into millions of Americans who are paying full rent while living in substandard conditions.

We call upon local government officials in Fort Myers and beyond to implement a policy that reimburses tenants for each days rent after 7 days a service/amenity is not provided. On the 8th day, the landlord would owe tenant one days rent for every day the service was not provided, including the previous 7 days, as it has affect their tenants quality of life. No one should be expected to pay full price for a service they are not fully receiving. This will end the land lord putting repairs out because it might be cheaper to wait longer for parts or because they can’t afford it until next week. Tenants are required to make payment on time and landlords are expected to make repairs on time.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair treatment for all renters and want to see change happen now.