I rent a backhouse upstairs in San Bernardino, Ca and have lived here for 3yrs, even before the owners now, moved in here. Once I had my son I asked the owners for permission to put upstairs a small washer and dryer. Since we had no hookups they use regular 120volt electricity and connect to the kitchen sink. Recently though they started stating that too much water leaks and that septic system is getting to full too fast. Eventually they told me not to wash anymore. Is that legal?... they didn't say it was for a little while or anything... just not to wash anymore period. I have a 1yr old son and this is very inconvenient.
2007-08-03 09:45:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I forgot to mention that I paid $700 a month...and about 4mos ago they moved it up to $800...due to alot of bills. I think this justifies the extra water and electricity I was using.
2007-08-03 10:02:37 · update #1
It's not so much the landlord has to supply hook-ups as it a situation where no one is supposed to permanently reside in a structure that doesn't have hook-ups. I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs, but it is not as much a landlord tenant issue enforced by the courts as it is a code enforcement issue enforced by the local building department.
Your apartment is probably not supposed to be rented out. It was probably intended to be a "mother-in-law's" apartment - an apartment designed to allow a family member of the owner to live semi-privately from the rest of the family. That is, if the building department knows about it at all. It may have been something the previous owners built without a permit.
If you can find another place for a comparable price, move. Otherwise, be prepared to be forced to move by the government if you seek help. Otherwise, be quiet and live with it.
2007-08-03 12:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an apartment not to long ago like that. Everyone kept telling me to get this little washer deal that can hook up to your bathtub or kitchen sink. I never did look into though cause the laundry mat was two feet down the road pretty much and I had lots of friends and family willing to share their washers and dryers. well I just googled what I'm talking about and this is pretty much what I was talking about ( in the sources area) but it's old fashioned lined drying for clothes though I guess.
2016-05-17 10:19:59 · answer #2 · answered by rosanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it's difficult but if you're not happy then wait till your lease is up and move. Until then take your laundry to the laundromat. Whether that situation is or is not legal there may be extenuating circumstances now or esasorbated circumstances later which they are trying to prevent (and which they could probably take you to court on for not listening to them as well as for damages) so they have asked you nicely to halt the use because of possible or more damage and you need to comply. Stuff happens. What all does a 1 year old need as far as washing clothes anyway. If you can wash them by hand then do so. I wash clothes in my tub so I understand it's inconvenient, but you still get it done.
2007-08-10 18:44:39 · answer #3 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Let's look at it this way. Would you want to pay for my gas if I drove 1000 miles a week. I don't think so. If they asked you to stop using the washer, it's for a good reason. They are paying for your water and they are not making enough off your unit to justify the cost. Plus they told you it was causing problems with the septic. How would you like to have to use the nearest gas station to go to the bathroom? If they told you it was causing problems, it's because it is. You should respect the Landlord wishes, or move somewhere else if you don't think it's fair. And yes, it's all legal. They told you of the problem, and you have stated that they did so here on this forum, so yes, it's legal.
2007-08-03 09:58:15 · answer #4 · answered by skiingstowe 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Landlords are not required to modify existing homes or apartments to add washer/dryer hookups. They may also restrict the usage of appliances that are not included such as portable washers and dryers. If you need an apartment with washer and dryer hookups, you will need to find another place.
2007-08-03 09:50:03 · answer #5 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sucks that it's inconvenient, but they aren't obliged to fulfill your laundry needs. It's certainly within their rights to ask you to stop damaging their septic system, and washer/dryer hookups aren't mandatory. Perhaps you should start looking around for a new apartment, that already has them installed?
2007-08-03 09:52:37 · answer #6 · answered by Beardog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the washer and dryer is a 'luxury' - i don't think that they are required to provide hookups for them. this is based on what i found when i rented, i don't know if anything has changed since then.
2007-08-03 09:49:55 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd wager that washer/dryers were not mentioned in your
rental agreement, so- sorry.
Might it be possible for you to use their washer ?
2007-08-03 12:55:47 · answer #8 · answered by sirbobby98121 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but they can do what they want with their property.
If it's not part of your lease or rental agreement, they can tell you to stop doing something on their property -- especially if it's causing damage.
2007-08-03 09:48:37 · answer #9 · answered by Hillary 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋