Landlord is changing my move-in date

[AliceL]

Hi guys,
I found an apartment in New Jersey that was available to move-in on 7/18, which I agreed so I paid application fee and deposit. After getting approval, I was going to sign the lease, but they spelled my name wrong... Today they sent me a new lease and told me the move-in date has to be changed to 8/9 because the current tenant is not moving out until 7/31. Meaning.. I'm gonna be homeless for almost 20 days? Is there anything I can do?

 

[Zigner]

Yes, you can find a different place to live...

 

[AliceL]

Yes, you can find a different place to live...

Not in the last minute... Plus it's near New York City, it's like impossible to find a place

 

[Just Blue]

Not in the last minute... Plus it's near New York City, it's like impossible to find a place

Can you couch serf with a friend(s)?

 

[AliceL]

Can you couch serf with a friend(s)?

Unfortunately I don't know anyone here.. Can landlord just change your move-in date because they need to accommodate someone else? Thats so unfair

 

[Just Blue]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone here.. Can landlord just change your move-in date because they need to accommodate someone else? Thats so unfair

I agree...but life is often unfair. Can you get your current moveout date extended?

 

[AliceL]

I agree...but life is often unfair. Can you get your current moveout date extended?

I think its unlikely but I'll ask.. Is there a law that requires landlord to give 30 days notice or something? They are not required to put me in a hotel or another unit when this happens?

 

[Zigner]

I think its unlikely but I'll ask.. Is there a law that requires landlord to give 30 days notice or something? They are not required to put me in a hotel or another unit when this happens?

Did you already sign a lease? Your original post makes it seem that you never actually signed.

 

[AliceL]

Did you already sign a lease? Your original post makes it seem that you never actually signed.

No, they spelled my name wrong so I didn't sign the lease..

 

[Zigner]

You didn't have a move-in date because you didn't have a lease/rental contract. Had you signed, you'd have recourse, because a simple scrivener's error wouldn't have invalidated the lease.

 

[LdiJ]

You didn't have a move-in date because you didn't have a lease/rental contract. Had you signed, you'd have recourse, because a simple scrivener's error wouldn't have invalidated the lease.

She did however give them the security deposit, which she may have difficulty getting back.

 

[Zigner]

She did however give them the security deposit, which she may have difficulty getting back.

That's a good point...and acceptance of the security deposit certainly may have formed a contract. I stand corrected.

 

[HRZ]

Many leases do have language as to your options if current tenant holds over for extra days ...what does your lease say. ( absent debate over if it's signed or not ) ...my leases ( west of NY ) allow prospective tenant choice of waiting or walking but NOT interim costs .

 

[Just Blue]

She did however give them the security deposit, which she may have difficulty getting back.

Actually she gave an application fee and a deposit. It could have been a deposit to hold the apt.