A landlord is notified in writing on July 15th that their cold water system is not working. By when must the landlord fix the issue?

The responsibility of a landlord to address maintenance issues, such as a malfunctioning cold water system, falls under the implied warranty of habitability, which requires that rental properties be maintained in a safe and functional condition. When a tenant notifies the landlord in writing about a significant issue that affects their living conditions, the landlord typically has a specific timeframe within which to make necessary repairs.

In this scenario, the correct timeframe for the landlord to respond to the tenant's reported issue is within 3 working days. This requirement ensures that the landlord acts promptly to maintain the property's habitability and address tenants' needs efficiently. The short timeframe stipulates that urgent repairs, especially those affecting essential utilities like water, should be prioritized to minimize inconvenience and discomfort for the tenant.

Other options suggest different circumstances, such as specific dates or different forms of response. However, the timeframe of 3 working days aligns with commonly accepted legal standards regarding urgent repairs in residential rental properties, emphasizing the landlord's obligation to ensure that vital services are operational without undue delay.