The name of my state is Illinois.
I recently received a fine of $5,000 between myself and another roommate. This is a large sum to us as college students. We also have to make this payment within 10 days. We found out about it yesterday. It was mailed the 16th, so now we only have 5 days left.
We have 4 bedrooms in our apartment, 2 rooms are occupied and we were using the third bedroom for misc. storage. We are being fined for using that extra room and it's supposed to remain locked. They found this information out after conducting "sanitary checks" - it's a college student complex that's half-controlled by our university. They have a three-strike policy and no warnings. This is our first strike.
We weren't given any warning but a letter just showed up in our mailbox. When we first moved-in this room was opened and we didn't realize that we were unable to use it. I don't believe there are any terms in our lease that mentions paying fines, the three-strike policy, or occupying unused rooms.
Is there anything that we could do? Any advice is massively appreciated. Thank you.
Edit: The 3rd room was not being used by another student or person. That information is mutually understood between us and the complex.
My question is: if there is no mention of penalties or occupying this room in the least agreement then is there anything we can do to get out of this fine? Should I call a lawyer?
Thanks for your responses.
I recently received a fine of $5,000 between myself and another roommate. This is a large sum to us as college students. We also have to make this payment within 10 days. We found out about it yesterday. It was mailed the 16th, so now we only have 5 days left.
We have 4 bedrooms in our apartment, 2 rooms are occupied and we were using the third bedroom for misc. storage. We are being fined for using that extra room and it's supposed to remain locked. They found this information out after conducting "sanitary checks" - it's a college student complex that's half-controlled by our university. They have a three-strike policy and no warnings. This is our first strike.
We weren't given any warning but a letter just showed up in our mailbox. When we first moved-in this room was opened and we didn't realize that we were unable to use it. I don't believe there are any terms in our lease that mentions paying fines, the three-strike policy, or occupying unused rooms.
Is there anything that we could do? Any advice is massively appreciated. Thank you.
Edit: The 3rd room was not being used by another student or person. That information is mutually understood between us and the complex.
My question is: if there is no mention of penalties or occupying this room in the least agreement then is there anything we can do to get out of this fine? Should I call a lawyer?
Thanks for your responses.
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