(c) The landlord, upon written notification by
the tenant of any defective condition on the premises that is in material
noncompliance with section 521-42(a) or with the rental agreement, shall
commence repairs of the condition within twelve business days of the
notification with a good faith requirement that the repairs be completed as
soon as possible; provided that if the landlord is unable to commence repairs
within twelve business days for reasons beyond the landlord's control, the
landlord shall inform the tenant of the reason for the delay and set a
reasonable tentative date on which repairs will commence. In any case
involving repairs, except those required due to misuse by the tenant, to
electrical, plumbing, or other facilities, including major appliances provided
by the landlord pursuant to the rental agreement, necessary to provide sanitary
and habitable living conditions, the landlord shall commence repairs within
three business days of receiving oral or written notification, with a good faith
requirement that the repairs be completed as soon as possible; provided that if
the landlord is unable to commence repairs within three business days for
reasons beyond the landlord's control, the landlord shall inform the tenant of
the reasons for the delay and set a reasonable tentative date on which repairs
will commence.
(d) If the landlord fails to perform in the
manner specified in subsection (c), the tenant may immediately do or have done
the necessary work in a competent manner and, upon submission to the landlord
of receipts amounting to at least the sums deducted, deduct from the tenant's
rent not more than $1,000 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, for the
tenant's actual expenditures for work done to correct the defective condition.