Don't know what to do

[melmiel]

My roomates and I rent a house in Florida. We have had flooding in our bathroom from the toilet (last two weeks) which necessitated a plumber to come out. He told us that there is extensive water damage done to the floorboards, both above and below the tiles floor. He said the toilet is in no way secured to the floor the flange is broke and the seal is rotted. He also said that the pipes in the house need to be replaced because they are rotted as well. It was also mentioned there was no regulation on the water pressure coming into the house because of the pipes being rotted. He came back the next day, said the LL told him to only put a temporary fix to the water pressure in the toilet so we may use it again. He said she would not pay for anything else. Well after the temp. fix, the toliet continued to overflow.
So we wrote a letter to the LL stating what the plumber told us needs to be done and we need her to take action on these repairs or we would be terminating our lease. The problem here was that we had asked the plumber to put in writing what he was telling us, and he said he couldn't because his company is contracted to repair all of our LL's rentals, and this would jeopardize his business. But he did say that he would tell her everything he told us.
So we went to deliver this letter to the LL who pretended she didnt understand what we were saying (she's from Turkey). She said the plumber never told her anything was wrong!
So we get a building inspector to come out to our house. He finds a couple violations, including plumbing among other things, but does not explain anything in detail, and is in a hurry to leave. The plumber comes back in and says "oh yeah the damage is not as bad as I thought" (go figure). But he also remarked that the LL speaks perfect English and that he would never live in a place like ours!
So this afternoon we get a notice from the landlord saying "she does not intend to let us out early, and according to #10 on the lease we have to give 30 days written notice. I dont know what this means because I have never seen the lease! My roomate and I did not sign it-it is in the third girls name.
So I call the LL to get a copy of the lease-I get hung up on. I call her daughter-I get hung up on! I called back and got an machine-left a message, no one has called me back.
Help Me! Im losing my mond over this. I feel like Im being jerked around! I know I have a right to see my lease, do I also have a right to see the building inspectors report? My LL showed me a copy of the plumbers bill from the day he denied there was that much damage, but of course the bill from the first day is gone!
Any advice on getting me out of this mess would be greatly appreciated!

 

[TCB4U2B2B]

In My Opinion

Hi melmiel

Although you did a remarkable job of explaining all the details, there is no mention of whom this third part who's name is on the lease.

Therein may lie the answer to this dilemma. As I see it, there will never be a fair and equitable solution to the problem.

Therefore, if the persons name that is on the lease is not currently living with you, not a close friend nor family member...just move out!

 

[melmiel]

Thanks for your reply. I wish it were so easy but-the person on the lease is the third roomate. She lives with us and is a freind. We are three girls total in the house.

 

[TCB4U2B2B]

Hello: melmiel

If all it takes is a 30 day notice to end the lease, then write it. Make four copies. Each person in your house gets one copy and mail the fourth.

Be sure to correctly and clearly state the date of the letter and the final move out date. DO NOT hand it to the LL...send it in the mail...certified with return receipt requested.

The LL will then have to sign for it and you'll get a signed receipt as proof. The clock is then ticking. Be prepared to MOVE OUT! You and friends now must also abide by the 30 day rule and be out that date and on time to be out! No excuses.

Case closed!