Breaking a Lease on Brickell with a SlumLord who is also an Attorney (Miami: real estate, apartment complex)

[Marlin Darlin']

I live in an apartment complex on Brickell Avenue that is being completely renovated. This may seem fine, but these renovatons have been taking place since October of 2006, or nearly 18 months. Last August, right after I renewed my lease, they shut our pool down for renovation. It is May and the pool is still full of crap and there is no end in sight for the completion of pool renovations. If I had known my pool would have been shut down nearly the entire duration of my lease extention, 12 months, I would not have renewed my lease. Also, the gym equipment in our tiny exercise room has deteriorated since I moved in, with about half of it not working. I was wondering if there is anyone on here that can help me identify some kind of recourse to retrieve monies LOST. I pay $1800 a month for an apartment that is worth $1300, at best, and with no amenities.

[illini84]

Surely not in Miami. *rolls eyes*

I'm no attorney, but I am in a real estate-type position and would suspect there is little you can do. I actually had something similar to me happen once before where I signed a lease at a place that included a hot tub, only to find out when I moved in that the hot tub didn't work. Even after numerous calls to the landlord, they never fixed it in the 12 months I lived there. I told them that the only reason I signed the lease there was because of the hot tub (I was paying a little extra for the amenity), but they didn't care.

You might check your lease, which probably says the landlord is responsible for maintenance for these items. Since they're obviously not being property maintained (as required in the lease), that would probably give you grounds to break your lease and move out. I seriously doubt you could get any money back though.

[Marlin Darlin']

How do I post pictures on here from my hard drive? I'll show you some shots of my luxurious dump. I see there is a picture button but I click it and it does not work.

[UrbaneAspects]

Stop dealing with these rip off dirtbags who overcharge for rent, and provide *****ty accomodations. Just STOP. And then you let them keep on charging you and you dont get what you want. Quit being a pushover and move to a place that actually keeps up on their *****

[illini84]

Originally Posted by UrbaneAspects

Stop dealing with these rip off dirtbags who overcharge for rent, and provide *****ty accomodations. Just STOP. And then you let them keep on charging you and you dont get what you want. Quit being a pushover and move to a place that actually keeps up on their *****

If only it were that easy. I'm sure Marlin Darlin didn't know she was dealing with a slumlord when she signed the lease. It's easy to get sucked into a place on Brickell (or wherever) with tons of amenities, a luxurious lobby, and views of the Biscayne Bay. I guess slumlords come in all shapes and sizes.

[UrbaneAspects]

you're right...they miami herald and new times doesnt do much to help either...they allow them to post ads that is absolutely puffery

[Meerteekah]

Well, that sucks. I wonder what the language of the lease is? I mean, is what they promised ( amenity-wise) on there? Cause if they promised use of a pool, "excellent" fitness facility, etc, it would seem there woudl be recourse. If they don't keep their side, why should you keep the lease?

Problem is that to get an attorney COSTS, so fighting it would likely COST, unless there was some renter's rights group you could contact and get some free or minimal-cost advice. That, I don't know about.

My problems tended to be the opposite: We were indulgent landlords (my husband is the quintessential super-nice, too-nice guy and I'm a worrywart who fixed things ASAP cause I didn't want someone hurt or upset.) We figured out we just weren't cut out to be landlords (cared too dang much) and sold the small property for a low amount just to be rid of the worries. I notice the property is not kept up like we kept it up (landscaping, carpets, etc) and the rent is considerably more.

Take a really good look at that lease for any language that seems to give you an out (what they are promising, what they are NOT delivering.) And start googling for South Florida rental rights, law advice sites.

Best of luck with that.

[PBCboy]

Originally Posted by Marlin Darlin'

How do I post pictures on here from my hard drive? I'll show you some shots of my luxurious dump. I see there is a picture button but I click it and it does not work.

Upload them via imageshack.us

[Marlin Darlin']

Originally Posted by illini84

If only it were that easy. I'm sure Marlin Darlin didn't know she was dealing with a slumlord when she signed the lease. It's easy to get sucked into a place on Brickell (or wherever) with tons of amenities, a luxurious lobby, and views of the Biscayne Bay. I guess slumlords come in all shapes and sizes.

I'm actually male. "Marlin Darlin'" is the name of our family's boat. I'm going to post some pictures of my $1,840/month dump now that the thread has sparked interest.

[UrbaneAspects]

Ridiculous, move out!