Renter's Right

Shelter is not only a life necessity; it also takes a big chunk out of your monthly income. Therefore, when you have problems, or need repairs tenants have a right to expect management will comply in a timely matter. However, many times they do not. Management will always have some excuse to why they are not doing what is expected of them. For example, I have frequently heard management tell tenants that their repair is not a "dire emergency". Or perhaps, they may inform you that they have a "reasonable time to fix the problem" which to them is anything under 30 days. Another excuse is that their maintenance crew does not work on the weekends or do overtime work. They do not because management does not want to pay for it, not because they cannot find workers to do the repairs. Because emergencies are unplanned, this puts the tenant in an even more frustrated position.

WHAT TO DO?

Renting space that another individual owns can leave a person with little options. If there is a problem with your unit, you can give management a written request of what you need fixed, and wait on management to send someone to do the repair. On the other hand, the tenant can hire someone, sometimes it is at their own expense. Either choice is going to cause grief depending on the severity of the repair. The worse are when the plumbing and kitchen appliances stop working; typically, these are considered high priority repairs, and should be handled within 24 hours.

If you are a new renter or a renter having problems, below are some common points you should be aware of:

RIGHT TO A SAFE LIVING SPACE

This includes having utilities that work and doors that lock.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY

You should receive advance notice when management is going to enter your apartment; if this is not possible, at the very least a note should be left indicating that your apartment has been entered.

RIGHT TO REASONABLE COMFORT AND QUIET

Excess trash, disruptive neighbors are issues to take up with property owner.

RIGHT TO REPAIRS

If there is damage you didn't create, management has a reasonability to repair all electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioner, and other appliances.

RIGHT TO REVIEW A LEASE AGREEMENT

Don't sign anything you don't understand. Always get clarification and asks questions. Don't feel like you are rushed to sign anything.

If you find yourself living in a rental complex where the landlord does not make repairs, and is making your stay unbearable you have the right to exercise your options. The top three are, file a complaint with your local county health department. Sue the landlord, or move out. To make your case, always document every conversation you have with the landlord.

When the time comes to look for a new place to rent, do not be in a rush to take the first place you see. Ask around, get references of places that are in your budget, but are also managed by honest, professional people. Remember to visit the location at night and on the weekends to get a more accurate account of the neighborhood. In addition, check out the complex's neighborhood reputation on online websites, such as http://www.apartmentratings.com.