Tenant rights on plumbing repair, laundry facilities (apartment complex, leasing agent)

[sweettweety]

When I rented the apt. I did so because it has a room attached that has laundry hook ups. I have my own washer and dryer. Some tenants get a garage, I got the laundry. It is a seperate room attached to the outside wall of my unit. It has it's own door. Dec 27, 2008 the landlord left me a note stating do not use laundry because there is a HUGE plumbing problem. As I type this no repair has been made.

I've spoken to the landlord several times and keep getting put off for one reason or another. He's now afraid to let other tenants see my washer and dryer for fear they will complain they don't have that amenity. What recourse do I have? I'm in essence paying (rent) for something I cannot use.

Also, when I signed the initial rental contract in 2000 it was with one owner, but since then the property was sold in 2001. My rental agreement has never been updated. Do not have a contract with the new owner. Is it necessary to have a new agreement?

If anyone has an answer I sure would appreciate it if you could send me "law" or some place I can check out myself so if I need to proceed I will maybe have a leg to stand on.

Thank you

[ZenMaster2008]

I'm by no means a lawyer but I'd say if the laundry room is in your lease then you have recourse. If not, it's a he said / she said sorta thing.

[bayarea-girl]

The new landlord should have written a new lease. Your agreement at this point is month to month. The owner does not have to supply a washer and a dryer. You can put a complaint in to the landlord but don't be surprised that nothing comes of it.

[firetraq]

personally without a lease, i would tell the landlord to either fix the problem within 7 days or you will be moving out.

[gfelix4u]

Im a tenant in an apartment complex wich have around 7 units. we rcently have been told by two of the apartment tenants that their home is infested with roaches and bed bugs. My unit has its problem with roach infestation and my children are starting to get these bug bites all over there bodies what can I do to
help my neighbors and of course my babies? please help

[VLWH]

Originally Posted by gfelix4u

Im a tenant in an apartment complex wich have around 7 units. we rcently have been told by two of the apartment tenants that their home is infested with roaches and bed bugs. My unit has its problem with roach infestation and my children are starting to get these bug bites all over there bodies what can I do to
help my neighbors and of course my babies? please help

Did you inform the landlord? If you did and they did nothing, file a complaint with L.A. renters board.

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[Cyanna]

Originally Posted by gfelix4u

Im a tenant in an apartment complex wich have around 7 units. we rcently have been told by two of the apartment tenants that their home is infested with roaches and bed bugs. My unit has its problem with roach infestation and my children are starting to get these bug bites all over there bodies what can I do to
help my neighbors and of course my babies? please help

It is the responsibility of the owner to call in an exterminator to get rid of the bed bugs. It is an expensive process and must be carried out over a three week period. Any neighboring apartment should also have a barrier spray performed if they aren't yet infested with bed bugs. To prevent a re-infestation, here is what our pest control recommends...Carry a bottle of Windex with you if you plan to visit in another apartment. When you leave, and BEFORE entering your car or own apartment, spray your knees and all the way down to the bottom of your feet with Windex. Bed bugs are now being found in brand new furniture, clothng and other soft items in stores. Used clothing and furniture are also hiding bed bugs. Carry Windex in your car. Spray before entering your car or home, simple. Bed bugs itch-hike. They jump to you from others.

[gfelix4u]

Thank you all for your help and may god bless you always.

[Cyanna]

Just remember that simply moving from an apartment complex with bed bugs to a new apartment without them will NOT solve the problem. Youl will carry it with you and end up infestating another complex. If you did not sign a Bed Bug addendm at the time of signing your lease, or since then, it is the building owner's responsibility to pay the extermination fees. Many apartment complexes are now requiring new tenants to sign a bed bug disclaimer before allowing move-in, and the new tenant will be provided with a certificate from the exterminator that the apartment is bed bug free. This way, if the apartment ends up with a bed bug infestation it will be the tenan'ts responsibility to pay the $500 extermination fee for causing the problem.

So, if you have bed begs and plan to move, have your apartment and soft goods exterminated FIRST. If you go to look at apartments before the infestation is under control, do the right thing and tell the leasing agent that you are coming from a building with bed bugs. Don't be irresponsible and infest other buildings. Those little critters will be hitchhiking on your shoes and clothes when you go out anywhere.