Previous Owners' stuff in my apartment?

Question

I just moved into my apartment yesterday (4 beds) with two of my roommates, and we discovered that while 2 bedrooms were empty, 2 others looked like the previous owners still lived there. We complained to the management and are trying to get in touch with the regional supervisors. They told us not to touch any of their stuff in the mean time, so we can't use two of the bedrooms or the kitchen or even half of the living room. The previous tenants were supposed to move out the 31st of July.
I live in Louisiana. Is there any legal action I can pursue? When do I get to throw out and/or keep their stuff?
Also, the complex said it would clean the apartment in a letter it sent everyone, though I cannot find it in the lease. The apartment is, obviously, not cleaned. Is there anything I can do about this? We're trying to get a month's rent free; is this a good course to take?

Now they're saying that they double-signed a lease, and since theirs is older one of us may have to move out instead of one of them. Any advice?

Answer 1

Take pictures and write a letter to the complex detailing that half the apartment isn't usable due to all the stuff. Demand that the stuff be removed and point out that it is unfair to expect you to pay rent.

Keep a copy of the letter and pics with the lease. You might need the papertrail when you move out.

The apartment complex should have at least inspected that apartment before you moved in. While they may have to safeguard the previous owners stuff, it doesn't have to be in your apartment. They should have removed the stuff immediately.

Answer 2

Call the local codes office in your town. They may send out an inspector to determine if thier are unfit living conditions. They will contact the owner of the units directly and put some heat on the supervisor.

Look on your lease near the beggining, thier should be some language on how soon the apartment would be ready to move into. You are probably past that period of time.

if so they have broken the lease and you can move to another place without it hurting you...

There are no laws that will get you out of paying rent if you stay there. You can negotiate with the landlord, but if they agree to anything make sure you add it on to the lease as an addedum or special condition. Just get a piece of paper and write addendum at the top and speak in your own words as to what happened and wht you want to do and what you want them to agree to do and date it for the day you write it and the date you want it to be done by.
Whew I am out of breath(smile).
Good luck.

P.S. moving is pressure next time don't get so excited just because someone says yes you have been accepted.
Take your time follow your first thought.

Answer 3

The management believe it or not may have to evict the tenants belongings to be legal. Send the management a certified letter stating the unit is not habitable, this could be a lease breaker.

Answer 4

first thing is to take lots of pictures on how you found the place, go down and by one of those disposable camera if you need to, but you really need to document the condition of the place so they do not try to charge you for cleaning when you move out

also i would say every day that you can not use those two rooms you should at least get a rent reduction

if not fixed by today you need to start to document everything, placing in writing to management of the problem asking them to cure it

Answer 5

You concept incorrect. the flexibility landlord can ask something he needs with regard to the condominium and tenancy. The previous landlord can answer in any way he needs, as long because it quite is authentic. it quite is often maximum suitable for a landlord while puzzled to depart comments out of the communique and stick to the info.