Why is Paula unhappy?

M: Hello.
W: Hello, Sam. This is Paula Handson. Sorry to bother you. But I’m having a small problem I thought you might be able to help me with.
M: Sure, Paula. What’s up?
W: Well, you know Sarah and I moved into an off-campus apartment in the fall? Anyway we’ve been happy with it until the past couple of months.
M: Yeah. What happened?
W: Well, the dishwasher broke down. So we reported it to Ms. Connors, the owner. She said she’d take care of it. But a month went by and nothing happened.
M: Did you get back in touch with her?
W: I got a repairperson to give me an estimate, and then I sent it to her. When I didn’t hear from her, I had the repair done. And I deducted the cost from the rent check.
M: So what’s the problem?
W: She called here mad as a hornet. She said she could have gotten the repair done for less money. Now she’s threatening to evict us for not paying the full rent. Well, you are over at the law school. So I wondered if you would mind coming with Sarah and me when we go to talk to Ms. Connors. We’re supposed to meet with her tomorrow night at eight.
M: Sure. I haven’t studied a lot about contracts yet. But I’d be glad to help you straighten things out. Why don’t I stop by at about 7:30?
W: Thanks, Sam. You’re a lifesaver.