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I agree with the others that you should ask for a rent abatement (reduction) because of not being able to use the balcony. Tell the manager that you rented an apartment with a balcony, and are paying the amount of rent that should include a balcony. Because you cannot use the balcony, and there is no date as to when you will be able to use the balcony, you want a rent abatement of $100? $50? retroactive to your move-in day, until the day you have a balcony you can use.
If they say no, take them to court over it, asking the judge to require the management to lower your rent. I'd be furious!
No. It was after I signed the lease and when I moved in that I got the info. I'm not upset about staying off the balcony, I was just wondering how long was acceptable. No reduced rent or anything like that. I wish had known before moving in...but I wish I had known a lot of things before moving in. The manager made it sound like any day now they'd be putting up new decks...I probably won't get to use the space during my lease from the sound of things.
Did you have big plans for your balcony?
Figure out the square footage of the balcony vs the rest of your apartment and what you pay per square foot. Then figure out the cost of you not being able to enjoy that particular square footage from the day you moved in. $10 per month? $100 per month? Then sue them for the difference. Or ask for a reduction in future rent for the difference.
I had a similar situation years ago when I lived at an apartment complex that had a nice pool near my unit. I never even got to use the pool since shortly after I moved in they closed the pool for repairs. It remained closed and untouched for over a year. I never thought about asking for reduced rent since the pool, which was one of the reasons I moved there, was closed and I was never able to use it.
I agree with the others that you should ask for a rent abatement (reduction) because of not being able to use the balcony. !
Maybe I'm not reading properly but it seems clear from the OP's post that the question he's asking has less to do with a rent reduction but approximately how much time the balcony repairs should take. Specifically asking the landlord would be the obvious first step.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teincilove
No. It was after I signed the lease and when I moved in that I got the info. I'm not upset about staying off the balcony, I was just wondering how long was acceptable. No reduced rent or anything like that.
Yah why not call them up and say hey, I'm trying to be a pest, but it rented a balcony unit and after I signed you said not to use it and repairs were imminent. It's been quite some time, any update on the repairs? Then you can always add, hey, how about a bit if a reduction due to not being done in a timely manner?
your talking about safety here, just stay off it until they are fixed, this really is a no brainer.
Why would you even think your entitled to any sort of reduction, because you can't use the balcony? It is a structural problem that needs to be addressed. Adventually you will be able to use it.
It isn't like the stove is broken and you have to go out to eat all the time, it is a balcony that you could live without for a while. It isnt the end of the world.
seriously, it is a safety issue. would you rather use it, it collappses and you die.
Maybe I'm not reading properly but it seems clear from the OP's post that the question he's asking has less to do with a rent reduction but approximately how much time the balcony repairs should take. Specifically asking the landlord would be the obvious first step.
Yes, this was the issue. Part of the reason I did rent this apt was because it has fairly large balcony and I would definitely use the space. Anyway, I went to manager and explained that I was really wanting to use the space and I was hoping they'd start soon. She told me they would try to go ahead and get it done ASAP. That was around 2 weeks ago and yesterday they tore down the balcony and put up a new one. I'm guessing they'll be doing all of them over the next couple weeks.
The issue wasn't not using it. It's that when you rent to someone the entire apartment should be in safe, usable condition. You don't rent someone a home with a nice garage and then tell them they can't use it because it's unstable when they move-in.
Yes, this was the issue. Part of the reason I did rent this apt was because it has fairly large balcony and I would definitely use the space. Anyway, I went to manager and explained that I was really wanting to use the space and I was hoping they'd start soon. She told me they would try to go ahead and get it done ASAP. That was around 2 weeks ago and yesterday they tore down the balcony and put up a new one. I'm guessing they'll be doing all of them over the next couple weeks.
The issue wasn't not using it. It's that when you rent to someone the entire apartment should be in safe, usable condition. You don't rent someone a home with a nice garage and then tell them they can't use it because it's unstable when they move-in.
Glad it worked out for you - enjoy your balcony!
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