Need some quick legal advice - Sportbike Addicts

jcblitz · 11-29-2005, 05:08 PM

I'm moving into my new apartment on Friday, my girl friend and I signed the lease and left a deposit. The next step is to pick up the keys/go over a check list, then move in (Dec 2nd). We only saw the model apartment, not the actual unit we'll be taking. I asked to see it at the time and they said it wasn't ready so they couldn't show it, but it's just like the model.

Well I went up today because the cable guy needed me there to install stuff, and when I went into the unit it was a mess. 100% not acceptable. They have at least a week of work to do and I'm moving in Friday, trucks are rented all ready and everything. The place is gross, the carpet is destroyed, it smells, the cabinets are crooked, the air conditioning units are at least 20 years old, there is old paint everywhere. Every room needs to be sanded/painted, the wall sockets are disgusting, the light switches have shit all over them. If this apartment isn't 100% up to my standards by Friday morning, I'm not moving in.

My question...what legal problems can you see me having if I say "fuck you" to them? Although I did sign a lease, I didn't take possession and I didn't approve the check list. The unit they're giving me is not like the model, the appliances are different and outdated, it smells, and the carpet is ruined. Any help or pointers would be great. Thanks

PitsVtec · 11-29-2005, 05:18 PM

You both are crazy for doing that, but anyway, when did you sign the lease and what does it say about the condition of the apartment?

ffejtable · 11-29-2005, 05:29 PM

nj leasing/rental laws generally heavily favor the tennant.. there is a handbook that i believe they are required to give you actually, or at least that was the case last time i rented, almost 10 years ago...

try http://www.lsnjlaw.org/english/place...antsrights.cfm

there are dozens on legal sites on the net that cover this, and you are better off reading it yourself than getting it second hand...

jcblitz · 11-29-2005, 05:37 PM

I'm actually moving to PA...I'm done with NJ.

Pits: What other method of rental is there? Every place I've talked to does the same song and dance. You only get to see the model. Most of them don't even let you pick where your apartment is, they just give you what's available.

The last step before taking possession is a checklist of items to make sure it's satifactory. I don't know leagally what this does, but I'll surely note what is wrong with it. This is all assuming they can't pull off a miracle by Friday, but I highly doubt smells just walk away.

PitsVtec · 11-29-2005, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcblitz

I'm actually moving to PA...I'm done with NJ.

Pits: What other method of rental is there? Every place I've talked to does the same song and dance. You only get to see the model. Most of them don't even let you pick where your apartment is, they just give you what's available.

The last step before taking possession is a checklist of items to make sure it's satifactory. I don't know leagally what this does, but I'll surely note what is wrong with it. This is all assuming they can't pull off a miracle by Friday, but I highly doubt smells just walk away.

Well before I moved in to my apartment, I got the option to see it. While I was looking, I was also asked to make appointments to check it out, so I'm assuming that would be the alternate method. What does the lease say...if you can fax me a copy I could show it to my co-workers who deal with real estate and try to help you out. I'm out of here by 5pm, PM if you want me to do that.

soda7o · 11-29-2005, 05:53 PM

i am pretty sure you can get out of it if 9t snot up to par or they showed you something diff...
in all states the laws are heavy tennant favorite not landlord.. they tried a bait and switch thing on you.. revie wyour lease you signed.. than find any and all descrepencies between whats in your lease or the details you agreed to and the actuall apt..
BTW where in PA?

**njf4i** · 11-29-2005, 05:57 PM

Well this really isn't helped to you jared. But when dave and i were getting our apartment we asked to see the place even though they didn't finish there work. Also we didn't sign the lease until we checked the place and approved from it.

I would contact the landlord right away and express your concerns. If they won't work with you than i say go right to a lawyers office and start legal action. I hope it all works out for you and kate.

jcblitz · 11-29-2005, 08:09 PM

Soda: North Wales, PA

I'm calling the landlord at 9am tomorrow. I want a status update at 1pm and I'm driving up there at 5pm every day to see the progress. Because when we signed the lease on Nov 11, they said they're already working on the unit. If they can't get shit done in 20 days, I doubt the extra 2 is going to do anything...or they're liars and I'm not going to take their word on anything. I have to many things in the works for this move to assume shit is going to work out and in the end I'm going to be the only one getting screwed. I'm moving all my shit from out of state and if I get up there and they're either still working on it or it's a still a shit hole, all hell is going to break loose. And beyond that, I'm going to get a list of the other apartments they said were open and I want to see each of them, reguardless if they're being "preped" or not.

High_Revs_17 · 11-30-2005, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcblitz

The place is gross, the carpet is destroyed, it smells, the cabinets are crooked, the air conditioning units are at least 20 years old, there is old paint everywhere. Every room needs to be sanded/painted, the wall sockets are disgusting, the light switches have shit all over them. If this apartment isn't 100% up to my standards by Friday morning, I'm not moving in.

Depending on the location and mental ability of the landlord you'll be lucky if anything else is replaced, cleaned, or repaired besides the carpet. Also if and when it is replaced it's going to be of the poorest quality regarding ply, yarn thickness/density and padding density cuz no landlord is going to spend top dollar on high grade carpet and pad. Good luck with everything!

I'll never understand how people can live like such fukin pigs...

jewfzr · 11-30-2005, 02:53 AM

I worked for a few years in property management. Many property managers and staff are incompetant boobs. They are usually owned by reets I believe. Showing up there and calling them on their shit will get things done for sure. The last thing they want is someone calling their regional managers and causing problems. I'm very sure they will do just about anything you want them to when you show up.

I saw this exact same thing happen many times over and had calls from tenants moving in about my managers. I tried to make things right and was successful on all but one occasion. I think you have the right attitude going in to make things work out in your favor.

Lorenzo · 11-30-2005, 07:33 AM

Ask to see the re-occupancy inspection report. All landlords must have that done when re-renting. If that was done, that place would have been spotless.

jcblitz · 11-30-2005, 12:01 PM

I've left 3 messages on their voicemail this morning...I think they know they're about to catch hell.