Busted Pipe = out of my Apartment

[RedheadedPenny]

What is the name of your state? Texas

So I’m living in an apartment on the first floor. The 3rd floor tenants broke a water line while disconnecting their washing machine. They flooded their apartment and the 2 floors below them.

Sheetrock on the ceilings and walls are having to be repaired/replaced/repainted and the carpets/padding being replaced.
I’m unable to stay in the apartment due to the lack of electricity in half of the apartment due to the water damage, plus the fans and dehumidifiers all over the place.
I spoke with management about a rent reduction for the time I’m unable to live on the property and they are saying they aren’t able to reduce the reduce the rent even though there is no way I’m able to stay on the property.
I’m able to stay at family’s house so I’m not having to pay for a hotel room, but I don’t think I should have to pay for the period of time that I’m unable to live there. Especially since the fault is not my own.
Do I have a leg to stand on?

 

[reenzz]

And its also not the lanlords fault. Make a claim with your renter insurance. They should be able to cover your expenses.

 

[RedheadedPenny]

It’s not that I’m looking for expenses to be covered.
But if I’m not able to live there due to no fault of my own, I feel I shouldn’t have to pay for an unlivable apartment no?

 

[reenzz]

No, you shouldn't have to pay rent if the unit is deemed "uninhabitable ".

 

[RedheadedPenny]

Would no electricity in the majority of the apartment, lots of equipment in the bathrooms/bedrooms/hallways (no room to even walk into the bathrooms) be enough to consider it uninhabitable? (Even just temporarily)

 

[LdiJ]

Would no electricity in the majority of the apartment, lots of equipment in the bathrooms/bedrooms/hallways (no room to even walk into the bathrooms) be enough to consider it uninhabitable? (Even just temporarily)

I would think so, however again, it would make more sense to get your renter's insurance involved and let them go after your landlord.

 

[RedheadedPenny]

I would think so, however again, it would make more sense to get your renter's insurance involved and let them go after your landlord.

With a high deductible I’d be pretty much paying my half of the rent (have a roommate)
None of my personal property was ruined so paying $500 to save less wouldn’t make sense for me.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

When did the damage occur and how long will the repair take?

Gail

 

[RedheadedPenny]

When did the damage occur and how long will the repair take?

Gail

Water damage to Sheetrock on walls, ceiling, carpet, and linoleum.
They only said several days. They are waiting while things dry out before repairs can be made

 

[not2cleverRed]

I spoke with management about a rent reduction for the time I’m unable to live on the property and they are saying they aren’t able to reduce the reduce the rent even though there is no way I’m able to stay on the property.
I’m able to stay at family’s house so I’m not having to pay for a hotel room, but I don’t think I should have to pay for the period of time that I’m unable to live there. Especially since the fault is not my own.
Do I have a leg to stand on?

Are you staying with family by choice, or did management really not offer to put you up in a hotel?

 

[RedheadedPenny]

Are you staying with family by choice, or did management really not offer to put you up in a hotel?

When the pipe busted (middle of the night) I went to family’s house once I cleared out my stuff from the bedroom and bathroom. They have never offered to put me up in a hotel. Never even asked if I had somewhere to stay. When I spoke with management asking about rent reduction they said talk to insurance to pay for hotel room and I explained that I’m not in a hotel but staying with family.

 

[not2cleverRed]

When the pipe busted (middle of the night) I went to family’s house once I cleared out my stuff from the bedroom and bathroom. They have never offered to put me up in a hotel. Never even asked if I had somewhere to stay. When I spoke with management asking about rent reduction they said talk to insurance to pay for hotel room and I explained that I’m not in a hotel but staying with family.

You have a lease.

You abide by the lease.

Which means that, for the moment, you pay rent.

Contact your renters insurance. I don't know the details of your policy (or your lease). They might have better suggestions as to what your options are.

If you are dissatisfied with how management has been handling the situation, you have the option of moving when the lease is up.

 

[FarmerJ]

Your LL is being a horses backside, the leak may not have been the LLs fault but to expect you pay full rent on a apartment that you cant have full use of is nonsense , CALL your city building inspections desk and tell them that you cant use your apartment as it is and would like them to come out and not only make sure the LLs repairs meet code but to also tell the LL in writing no one can live in your apartment - condemn it so that way you are free to move out with no penalty since your LL wants rent from you on space you cant use! ( this is no diff than say a tornado damaged the place or any other thing that is not your fault but just one of them things LLs have to deal with .