I currently am living in an apartment and my lease is almost done THANK GOD! I found better apartments to move in to and yesterday the lady called me and said everything looks good except that the place I am at now is charging me $25 for rental verification. So when I called and asked them what that amount is for and why, the manager said because it was " TIME CONSUMING."
No where in the lease does it say I owe them $25 for rental verification. When I went up to confront her this morning, the manager said that she didn't say that, and that the $25 is a special service the company provides. I am not buying this story, could some one please help me!! Thank you!
2007-07-19 05:01:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
That's b/s. It is amazing the things they come up with to take people's money. Call the place you want to rent from and tell them (though I think they are the ones who told you). See if the new place absolutely requires it in order to give you the apartment. If so pay the $25 and slash the tire of the ***** who took your money on the way out. Turn your back on that place and never look back. If the new place doesn't actually require it, mind you clearly you have lived there if not why would the place say they have to charge you in order to confirm it (sickening idiocity) then tell them to kiss your *** and slash the tire of the ***** on your way out (oh wait, I guess not for that). If you really want to get serious and have a little time and money you can sue them for "specific performance" of a breach of contract, b/c the $25 charge is not in your lease and is not contemplated by the leasor, then the common practices or norm of the industry rules apply and they have to perform what is usually done which is confirm you were a leasor to a new prospective leasor. This will of course require a court order and they likely get away with it b/c getting an order like that would cost alot more. I'm sorry this happened to you but I'm serious - payback the jerks that abuse you in life.
2007-07-19 05:08:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should fight this. Get a copy of the lease and read very carefully, if the lease doesn't state anything about the $25 fee, then you are not entitled to give the manager anything but your rent. When and if the lease doesn't have this stated, then present this to your manager. If the lease states that there is a $25 rental verification fee, then, sorry, you have to pay it. But I hope the lease says nothing about a fee, just so you can see the look on the managers' face when you prove her wrong. You should also keep copy's of all your rent receipts so you can prove to your new land lord that you've payed all your rent on time, so you have a better chance of getting the appartment you desire. Good luck!!!
2007-07-19 05:11:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would demand to know where it is in writing and where you agreed to pay such a fee should you move. This is something that should probably be stipulated in the contract you signed with them. If it ain't in the lease contract, I say you don't owe anything. If they don't budge and you really don't want to pay the $25. Seek a lawyer's advice.
However, I think it's too much of a fight for so little. I would do like others recommended. End your lease on good terms (i.e. pay your rent). Clean the apartment, leave nothing to be scrutinized.
If you made a security deposit, let her deduct the $25 from it and be done with it.
2007-07-19 05:08:25 · answer #3 · answered by Lynnsie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds ridiculous to me. Reread through the entire contract and if they are charging you over what you agreed to I would definitely get the $$ back. Just wait until you are almost out so they cant give you to much trouble. As long as you have proof of what you have been paying and its more than is outlined in the contract you have a viable argument. Demand your money back and threaten to sue. If they don't give it to you then follow through with your threat. I think its only like $25 to file a lawsuit in small claims and with your receipts and lease you should definitely win. Don't let them get away with it. You might ask your neighbors if this has been happening to them as well.
2007-07-19 05:21:56 · answer #4 · answered by Leesha 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In one side, I say fight it. On the other side, I think that the fact that you say "THANK GOD" makes me think this this was bad experience from the start. So, maybe you should be happy that you are moving on. Definitely don't pay them the money in addition to what you have already given them. Make them take it out of your deposit. They will probably try to keep all that money anyway. If it isn't in the lease, they really can't charge you for it. Of course, they will just find some other reason that you have to pay the money.
2007-07-19 08:57:06 · answer #5 · answered by J B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The $25 fee is not a part of your lease, and has nothing to do with your lease. If the management firm wants to charge a fee to outsiders for verification, they can do so. You do not have to pay it if you do not want to, and they do not have to verify your current occupancy if you do not pay.
Quite simple.
2007-07-19 05:08:45 · answer #6 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if your rent is paid up...simply move out....
she is gonna deduct it out of your deposit..you know she will !
also ask her - where in the lease does it state this?
if you leave the place clean and in order with no damages, (take pics for proof)...then when your deposit comes back is it is minus only the $25 - let it go...
but if she take the $25 plus damages for this and that, plus maybe extra cleaning etc...then take her to small claims with your pictures and with your lease...you will win.
sounds like she is not a happy camper 'cause you are leaving and now she has to do some work and find another renter.
good luck to you
2007-07-19 05:08:25 · answer #7 · answered by Blue October 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There should be a fair housing board, or renters advocacy group of some sort in your town, county or state.
This is crap and against the law.
Tell your current landlord (in a calm voice or even better in writing) that you have no intention of paying this arbitrary fee. There are free legal services for this sort of thing everywhere. Do a little research and you should find a laywer who will be happy to take up arms in your defense.
2007-07-19 05:07:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
So it is your soon to be ex landlord who is trying to extort
25 dollars for saying yes you lived there?
Tell them you don't want their SPECIAL service, and if your new landlord wants a reference you might point out that this is why you are moving out from such an annal place
P.S. if she's the manager of an apartment that is what her time goes to, day to day business and inquiries are part of her job.
2007-07-19 05:18:02 · answer #9 · answered by wise old sage 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its sounds like a credit check fee. Which is quite standard and hard to fight.
Not all places do it, but some do. They should have told you before hand though. But fighting for 25$ is hardly worth the effort anymore.
2007-07-19 05:05:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋