apartment problems!?

Question

my apartment complex is horrible! Everytime I call to have maintenance come by to fix something it takes them at least a month, when my dishwasher broke back in september they said they would order me another one, and I still have a broken dishwasher. This is not the only thing either, same thing for a leak in the bathroom, it took them a month to get over here and take 10 min. to fix it. I have never been a problem tenant, I actually think I'm too nice, I think they dont take me seriously because I'm so young, I heard a friend of a friend had a similar problem and she contacted some kind of authorities and got the apartment complex in trouble and also was compensated. Any ideas on what kind of actions I should take?

Answer 1

Try this. When you want something done, wait until you have to pay the rent. Go in person with rent money then tell them the things they want done. Make sure you get a schedule of when they will get around to it. I've tried this, funny how money gets them to do the things you want.

Answer 2

I've had to deal with slumlords before. I lived in a place that was run by a leasing company. I had to make some phone calls and I got in touch with the building owners. I spoke to his assistant about the problems, and complained about the leasing company, and told them I was moving out next month (I already gave a 30day to the leasing agent in the office) and I explained all the isses that went on that the leasing agent, who lived in the complex, saw and did nothing about (neighbor disputes)

The owner offered me a free months rent to stay in the apartment, and said she was going to contact the leasing agent and have a talk with her and tell her what to do, since she didnt do anything, about the problem. I told her no thank you, that I had it with this place, and that I was still going to move.

I probably would have taken the offer but I had already signed and paid for a deposit on another place.

If your not getting anywhere with the manager or leasing agent then get a hold of the building owner. It is public record the building owners name and mailing address. Just get it, then google it. It is usually a name like XYZ investments Inc.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live, but where I am, I can send the owner of our building a registered letter giving him a specific amount of time to fix a leak, etc. Say ten days. If he fails to do it, I could call in a plumber and have the owner compensate me. We also have a Rental Board here with good laws that favour tenants.

If you don't have a Rental Board in your area, try your local university. Go there and check to see if they have a free legal clinic. I did that in another town and was able to successfully get money from an unscrupulous landlord with the help of the university legal clinic students.

Answer 4

You should get Prepaid Legal...I have it. And believe it it's totally needed. Unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars on legal assitance- which probably isn't worth it. But with Prepaid Legal you get a lawyer for like $26 and they're awesome. So many people with apt problems and so many of my friends who love Prepaid Legal

Answer 5

If you want immediate results head to your town's City Hall. If they are unable to assist you there, they will direct to the correct people to get your situation resolved. Also, the Chamber of Commerce may be able to send you in the right direction.

Answer 6

Contact your local housing authority, if that doesn't work go to attorney and have them call your apartment complex office and threaten to file "Breach of Contract".

Answer 7

Move out. You've got a crappy landlord. Just find a different place and leave all the hassles and battles behind.