we have crappy linoleum in our apartment instead of ceramic tile which the other apartments have. we also have old, outdated and ugly couches when the other apartments have newer, nicer couches. our room does not look like the model room. is it legal for the landlord to do this? is there anyway we can get them to put in equally nice couches and tile? it's Arizona if that helps with the legal advice.
2007-12-02 12:06:21 · 4 answers · asked by W F 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
this isn't whether it's legal for them to rent out not-so-nice looking things. but we are the only apartment with the not-so-nice things. every other apartment has nicer furniture and tile.
2007-12-02 12:12:51 · update #1
You should have had the oportunity to inspect the place before agreeing to rent it. At that time you could have told them to fix it, or you could have gone elsewhere.
2007-12-02 12:16:26 · answer #1 · answered by mapleguy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not in Arizona and this is not legal advice, but didn't you look at the apartment before your rented it? That could make a difference. If you were shown one thing and then given another, you might have some sort of consumer fraud claim and a right of rescission (the right to cancel the contract). But a lot depends on both local statutes and the specific facts of the case. There is a legal theory called the right of habitability that simply means that you do not have to pay for premises that are unhealthy and unsafe. However, I have never heard of a right to some standard of interior decoration, unless you were promised that and were treated to the old "bait and switch" tactic. I don't know where you are, but I seem to remember that there was some sort of tenants; action group in Tucson when I lived there. Consult whatever tenants rights group you might have and a local attorney if you can afford it. But there is another approach. Perhaps your landlord would be willing to upgrade the apartment or give you another one if you were to extend your lease or pay for some of the materials. You be able to work out a friendly deal.
2007-12-02 20:16:59 · answer #2 · answered by artwhiterealtor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no legal requirement that you have as nice furniture or surroundings as the other apartments. But you might ask your landlord if you can move to one of the other, nicer apartments - be sure the rent is the same, though, or you could get burned.
2007-12-02 20:36:43 · answer #3 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to that is no. It's not illegal for the landlord to rent out a furnished apartment with what you call "crappy" couches and linoleum. Those items are considered cosmetic and not covered under any Landlord Tenant law.
If you're not happy with the furnishings move.
2007-12-02 20:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Weimaraner Mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋