It's essential to consult with a lawyer or a tenant rights organization in your area to get specific advice regarding your situation.
Reporting your landlord for issues with broken appliances, porch lights, and air conditioning should not result in an eviction if you are acting within your rights as a tenant. In many jurisdictions, tenants have the right to a safe and habitable living space, and landlords are generally obligated to address maintenance and repair issues promptly.
However, there might be some specific steps you need to follow to protect yourself from any potential retaliation. Here are some general tips:
Review your lease agreement: Make sure you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. This includes understanding the landlord's obligations regarding repairs and maintenance.
Document the issues: Before you report the problems to your landlord, document the broken appliances, porch lights, and air conditioning issues. Take photos or videos, and make notes of when you first noticed the problems.
Communicate with your landlord in writing: Send a written request to your landlord detailing the issues that need to be fixed. This creates a paper trail and evidence that you have notified your landlord of the problems.
Keep copies of all communications: Save copies of any letters, emails, or messages you send to your landlord and any responses you receive.
Know the local laws: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and landlord-tenant laws in your area. These laws vary by jurisdiction and may offer additional protections for tenants.
Report to local housing authorities: If your landlord fails to address the issues after you've provided sufficient notice, you may have the option to report the problems to local housing authorities or tenant rights organizations.
It's worth noting that eviction is a legal process that typically requires a valid reason under the law. If you are reporting legitimate issues with your living conditions, it should not be a cause for eviction. However, if you are concerned about potential retaliation from your landlord, consulting with a legal professional can provide you with the best advice for your specific situation.