what do you do when you can not get ahold of your landlord?

That stinks-- I always has problems with 1 landlord when I used to rent. I own my home now. He would take days to fix things... I finally outsmarted him and started documenting times I called- reasons I called and then left him a message-- I've called on such and such days and nothing was done to fix my problem- I am not calling in a plumber (or whoever) to fix the problem and you will be billed. If you are paying your rent they need to have a place safe to live in. Is there anyone you can call in your state or local government..I think there is someone to call for renters problems.. Try googling it online and see what you find out- I never had to hire a professional-- that always did the trick- they came to fix the problem the same day! Good luck!

look up the Warranty of Habitabilty Act that is what landlords must go by when renting and you are protected. One send a certified signature required letter to the landlord detailing them about the lack of communication and about the water heater. you can tell them that you are with holding the rent until this is fixed and up to code as per the Warranty of Habitabity Act. Give them 7 days to comply if not try to find someone to come out and fix iut and either you pay and deduct out of the rent by sending them the copy of the bill or have it billed to them since they are the landlords. you can call legal aid society and ask for legal advice or help should the need arise.