Hi folks,

I have a problem in my flat that been going on 6 months now. Basically on day when it rains heavily, it rains in my bedroom. ;-( It's a long story, i can skip most details. Enough to say I told the regie in October, since then much of the ceiling has fallen in the affected area and the walls are humid and discolored. Pretty ugly mess.

Anyways, the regie HAS tried to fix something, they sent ppl to take photos, there was some scaffolding outside. I respect the problem is quite large and has been difficult to fix, but well, my situation is exaclty the same as it was in October and i'm paying high rent for a rainy room! Grrr...

So I've had enough. I sent them an email on Friday demanding a reduction in rent from October and until they fix the problem. I'm also asking that they agree in written form that we would have no obligation to find another renter to replace us on the contract (which is what we would need to break it) in the current state of the flat. I mean who would want to take a room that rains???

They did react to my mail on Friday... sent someone this morning to look (was the same when he came months ago) and claim it will be fixed in 2 weeks, but I've still had enough... I thikn i am right to get money back for the entire period in which it was occuring. I think they think now if they fix it quick I will forget about it. Seems to me the regie's here will always take advantage of renters until you show them you understand the legal system.

I know there is ASLOCA (I'm already a member), but I believe in Geneva there is a legal process for such cases which is free and I don't think I really need representation to resolve this. I have photos and the email from October in any case. I found the link to this service once online, but I've made several calls now and I can't find the exact link. Wouldn't it be somewhere in the Geneve etat, logement? ...

Can someone help me find these links so i can read up on the details. I think I simply have to deposit a letter with all relevant facts and info about the situation and they then book a court date for both parties. I suppose I should win, right? Though i expect the regie's to have great lawyers!

Any help would be appreciated. Cheers! Happy Monday.. it's raining again. Better empty the buckets. ;-(