Do you have any advice on using a bonding account? I will do some research myself also.
.
It's just an Escrow account which is really just a third party account. Just go to banco popular and open a new savings account, I think they cgarge about 40pesos a month for a basic savings account, which is only the cost of a pencil. Once work is done close it or leave it, it will close itself in 3 months of no activity.
Just pay the rent into there, the counter guy will ask you if you wish to add a reference, just add a reference of something along the lines of 'withheld rent'.
Take photos or any physical evidence possible and a log of when you have contacted the landlord by letter, and brief rundown of your exchanges with them. That's it, the system is on the renters side.
It would not go to court, but just incase he is right tit, then his lawyer would request you pay the rent into an account via the court until the repairs are done, which is not big deal.
It's really no big deal, as soon as he knows you are exercising (know) your rights, which you do have when it fomes to withholding rent under these circumstances he will hsve it done within 24 hours.
1. Hand the landlord in writing your intention to withhold rent until repairs are done.
2. If not done in 24 hours or by rent day comes, get down the bank and open that account.
3. Relax, he knows you know your rights.