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Always a correct way to do things. It sounded like the couple above may not have been properly served. As for "waiting for the UD because I felt I had some good defenses," this only hurts the tenant. The correct way to deal with the issues of repairs is first with the landlord in writing, and then by involving an inspector, or contacting your local renter's advocates. In extreme cases, you may be able to withhold rent, but usually it is by first going to court and then placing your rent in escrow with the court (pay it to the court to release when repairs are made).
The landlord may be dubious. Even if the LL is dubious, you can be exemplary and thorough in documenting what has been going on and then taking it through the proper channels.
It just isn't worth it to risk your good name and rental history because you didn't follow the law. The LL wins that way, too.