Lease Renewal Revoked after Pushing Back on Unexpected Rider
Pros
We had a decent relationship with the landlord of this building for several years, until they changed their attitude when pushed back. The landlord maintains the building well and is responsive to any issues.
Cons
After living in the apartment for four years, we received a lease renewal. In response, we wrote an email objecting to the rider, which included an item that was legally questionable. However, instead of addressing our concerns, the landlord chose to retract the lease renewal, effectively forcing us to move out. Throughout this process, the landlord demonstrated a total lack of humility and decency, refusing to answer our phone calls and demanding an end to all further communication with us. We later spoke with other tenants and learned that they had experienced similar dismissive, formal, disrespectful, and uncompromising behavior from the landlord. There was no designated outdoor area for garbage disposal, despite legal requirements stating that buildings with three or more units must provide shared facilities for garbage storage. On the few occasions when storing garbage inside the apartment was untenable, we were forced to keep it behind the gate outside. However, the landlord sought to impose a $50 daily penalty for something they were legally obligated to provide. One day, the landlord accused our air conditioner of causing damage to the building's facade and potentially its internal structure. They insinuated that we could be held responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs. The rider in our lease specified that the landlord's approval was required for air conditioner installation each year. The main issue revolved around water leakage, a common phenomenon with all air conditioners. This requirement seemed unreasonable and would likely necessitate hiring a "professional" for the installation, or purchasing a new unit if the landlord's conditions were not met. During our move, the landlord showed no flexibility, insisting we vacate by the 30th of the month. Most apartment leases begin on the first of the following month, leaving no room for overlap. We spent weeks repainting the apartment back to its original colors and filling all holes to try and recover our full security deposit. Despite our efforts, the landlord deducted over $500 from our deposit, charging us for a fridge replacement. The fridge, which had been positioned next to the oven by the landlord, had been damaged as a result — a situation for which we were not at fault. In conclusion, our experiences with this landlord were far from ideal. We faced numerous challenges, from the absence of legally required garbage facilities to unreasonable penalties and demands. The landlord's refusal to renew our lease, coupled with their general lack of decency and communication, made our living situation difficult. Other tenants in the building also reported similar treatment. The unreasonable expectations set for air conditioner installation and the harsh moving-out conditions further strained our relationship with the landlord. To top it all off, we were held financially responsible for a damaged fridge that was improperly positioned by the landlord themselves.
Advice to the owners
Value quality tenants and don't abuse them. Be a decent human being.
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