Problem with Move in and Rental Mgmt

Hi. I need advice on how to proceed next with a problem that I have with my new apt and the leasing mgmt staff.

I moved into a new apt in mid November and my apt was not in move-in condition as promised and the maintenance staff has been very slow in its response. I notified the leasing office immediately after my move in and a written work order was provided to the maintenance staff, yet it is 2 months after my move in and only a portion of the work has been completed. During the past 2 months, I have made repeated requests both in person and via the phone. I am extremely frustrated and would just like to be settled. Also, I have a small child, own my own business and cannot fully unpack as a result of the work that still needs to be done in the apt.

They have denied both my request to move to a similar apt (same floorplan) and also my request to move to an apt just upstairs with a slightly different floorplan - but the same number of bedrooms. Mgmt has refused this request because I was given a rent reduction (they matched the priced of a competitor property across the street) and feel that they cannot justify my move to a different apt because of the discount they provided. The apt is not cheap - I am paying almost $1800 for the apt and this is after the $60 discount. I feel that the discount is irrelevant and non-issue.

I requested an apt in the same building on the second floor that is available with a slightly different floorplan because it is in the same building and I do not have to incur more moving expenses. I am not asking for the same discount that was given on my existing apt, but for the same special that they offered in November when I signed my lease. The discount was 5% off and this was offered on all apts at the time. Mgmt has told me that the discount is no longer in effect and they can not offer me the same deal and I would have to pay whatever the current price is. I believe that they should at least try to accommodate us since we were not provided with a clean and ready apt. with many problems with the electrical appliances, etc.

I would appreciate your advice. There are many more details but my point is that it is 2 months later and now that I just want to be settled. I am just plain fed up and disappointed. It will be faster for me to move at this point.

Thanks

What type of problems are they refusing to fix?

At time of move in, the apt was not cleaned and appliances were not inspected to see if they were in working condition. The day before my move in, I was asked to pick up keys. I arrived around 4pm only to find the office closed. Because I had scheduled movers, I asked resident services to confirm with me that keys were left for me and that the apt is ready to occupy. They did not have keys and got maintenance to let me in to see if it was ready. When we walked in, the stackable washer and dryer was sitting in the middle of the living room. The apt was still dirty. I left a message for my leasing agent the next morning and she called me to assure me that everything will be ready for us to move in by noon. When I arrived to pick up keys in the evening, I walked through the apt and it was still uncleaned. I ended having to reschedule the move for the following day and did not want to pay another fee to reschedule. So, I cleaned the apt.

The electrical wiring for both bedrooms were wired wrong. The outlets in the Master BR did not work at all. In the Second MB, in order to turn on the bathroom lights, you would have to turn the switch for the lights in the bedroom. They finally fixed finally, but it was only about 3 weeks ago that this happened.

The caulking around the windows and bathrooms have mold and mildew. I requested that they re-seal and recaulk these areas. They have not done it and it was suggested by the maintenance staff that I just clean it with Clorox. I have, but the mold and mildew reappear. I have a baby and do not want to use chemicals or have her around the mold or mildew.

The dryer takes about 2 hours to dry a regular load of laundry. They taped the ducts and cleared them, but the problems still exists. I have requested that this problem be fixed, but nothing has been done so far.

The walls used to be a darker color and one of the bedroom has a ripple going across and I was told by maintenance again that the painters should have used a second coat of paint. Because I have moved in, I have cabinets that will need to be moved away from the wall. These cabinets are heavy and need 2 people. Maintenance was supposed to bring 2 people to do this right before X-Mas, but this was not the case. The maintenance person who came just did touch up paint and told me to call his mgr to request a second person and reschedule. No one has called to reschedule with me. In the meanwhile, these cabinets are for storage and I do not want to put things in only to have to remove them again when they come to paint.

My issue is that these things should have been taken care of prior to my move-in date. I have reported and requested service for the apt as per their instructions but have gotten very little response. For instance, the electrical problems were just brushed off until the maintenance mgr diagnosed that this was not the way it should be. Apparently, they outsource electrical work and the electrician was fired for doing shoddy work.

I have been very patient and have had to call and make repeated service requests that were already submitted. They do not follow up and make no effort to complete the repairs. The explanations I hear are: 1) they are short staffed and 2) it was so close to the holidays. While I do understand, it should not take anymore than maybe 1 week to do all this work. Nothing had to be outsourced to contractors so there should be no lag time and no parts were needed.

First you will want to research your states laws on this issue. Find out if your state has a repair and deduct statute and what items you are allowed to repair and deduct. If you state does have this then hire outside individuals to repair dryer etc. Then simply deduct that amount from rent and submit copies of bills to management. This may result in them trying to have you evicted but will most likely not result in an eviction as you have a great defense.

Thanks for your kind advice Leagle Eagle. Things finally worked out.

I spoke with their corporate headquarters because I did not want it to escalate to speaking thru our attys. Result is that corporate understood my problem and frustration and approved the move to the apt that I wanted at the 5% discount within 24 hours - how about that!! So, it is a win-win situation for both. They are still getting higher rent than what I am paying now and I get to move into another apt with everything working properly (wish me luck, I have a walk thru tomorrow!).

They really have no reason to evict me since I have complied with everything and my rent is always paid on time. I guess the leasing dept did not want their dirty laundry aired to corporate headquarters and their bosses.
Nonetheless, I am glad that everything worked out. Appreciate the help.