is it possible to change units in your apartment bulilding if the one that your currently in is not suitable?

Question

ive just recently moved into my own apartment at the end of october 2006 and every since i moved in i have had nothing but headaches the first day that i moved in the apartment unit that i was told that i was going to be living in they change it to another unit that was a total dump!!!! the carpet was nasty with marks all on it the walls was not painted broken kitchen drawers stove not working properly dishwasher comes out the wall window wouldnt lock mildew and the first month that i was there my bathroom celing started leaking and i just wanted to know can i request another unit immediately and if not can i break my lease without being liable or if all fails could i just go to another apartment and try to move there before i get a bad name from the apartment that im currently at

Answer 1

First of all, they are not supposed to pull a "bait and switch" on you. What unit is specified on your lease? If it is the other one, you probably have an out.

If it is this one, its a little harder. Start by photographing/documenting each problem in writing, and send a certified letter to the landlord requesting these items be repaired. Depending on your state, you must give a "reasonable" time for the landlord to correct the issue, usually 30 days. If after that time the repairs are not done, you may hire someone to do the work and deduct that amount from your monthly rent. BE CAREFUL! Do not deduct rent without checking the Landlord-Tenant act in your state, or you may be charged late fees, etc. for deducting rent. Also, you can't deduct for things like the apt. being dirty, but issues that affect its habitability are ok (heat, stove, plumbing leaks, etc.)

Answer 2

You should bring in someone from the leasing office to look at everything you see. That way you have shown them evidence that your apartment is horrible. I am not for sure about the lease part you might want to check your lease agreement and see what it states on breaking your lease. They should at least move you into another unit and fix the one you are in before they rent it to another tenant

Answer 3

have you ever stated those issues to the owner? if so and that they have not been dealt with them insist on shifting to a diverse condominium. Your wellness is properly worth better than a hire. maybe you're allergic to mould/mould. i might particularly pass no remember what.

Answer 4

yes absolutely possible.