Ok. You're right that is unfair. I apologize.
In that scenario i would say it's awfully hard to find sympathy for a renter who is 1) that dumb and 2) continues renting from that property owner.
When i rented in college if we had something wrong we called. If they didn't do it fast enough then we called again. And if they still didn't do it (and it was something that is their legal responsibility to take care of) then you file a complaint and/or take them to court.
A lease agreement is to protect BOTH parties renting. Read yours. Understand it well. It is legally binding.
I am sorry for discounting your story or saying i think it's a lie. Totally unfair. I will try not to do it again.