Question
What are the tenant rights before moving into an apartment?
I live in jersey city, NJ. I will be moving to the 2nd floor in the same apartment complex starting July 1st. I have signed the lease already and when doing so I mentioned a few repairs that needed to be done in that apartment to the land lord. Ex: There's mold formation in the bathrooms, leaks under the wash basins and a little painting needs to be done atleast in the kitchen are since the previous tenants have stayed there for almost 2 and half years. The land lord agreed on everything and said that he would have the apartment ready by the 1st. But now he says that I should move in and he will do all the repairs later. I have bronchitis and need the mold and paint job to be done before I move in. I don't mind staying in my present apartment as long as he fixes the place upstairs and then rents it out to me. But apparently he does not want to forego a month's rent and so is asking me to move. Do I have any rights as a tenant in such a circumstance? As I have signed the lease am I required to move in irrespective of if the repairs have been done or not? The land lord is out of station and will be back on july 1st.
5 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
Don't take verbal promise, have him put it in writing and have him sign on it. You don't have to move in as long as you pay the rent. This is your choice but remember you're already bind by the lease. You cannot turn away from it now but insist on him to fix the problem ASAP. May need to keep calling him everyday plus a written notice.
Source(s)
I'm a LL in CA
by MM C
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Don't move in unless all work is completed if it is something that will harm your health. If you think you can live with it for at least a few weeks then make sure you get in writing from your landlord the date and time it will be done or at least started. I like to make sure any apartment I rent is in move in condition before I even put in an add. Since you already know the landlord then the best judgment is your own. How has this landlord been with you in the other apartment. Next time have the requests put in the lease before you sign. I think you have a time period to change your mind about moving in but you need to check with landlord tenant rights laws or lease rental agreement laws. Check your lease to see if there is a time period.
by Kitty- 5 months ago
Don't whine about your health conditions, you knew what they were when you signed. You signed a lease on a place that wasn't ready to move into? He has a signed lease and no reason to accomodate you now. I'd say you should just try to cancel the new lease and stay where you are.
by estielmo- 5 months ago