What are my rights/options

[Nealy]

Last month I spoke w/ another property under same company about transferring my currnet lease to their one of their apt. It was alot closer to work. They gave me the impression that I could do exactly that, transfer my current lease that ends in Oct. So I gave them $160 redecorating fee and gave notice to my current complex that I would be transferring my lease to another one their properties. Unfortunately when I went to finalize everything they wanted me to sign a new 12 month lease and I refused. The apartment that I'm currently in has since been rented starting June 10th. My management is saying that I have to out by then and pay 2 months breakage fee. I wasn't under the impression that I was ever breaking a lease and don't feel I should have to pay the 2 months. Someone has suggested that I stay in the apt if the they refuse to drop the 2 months and they will have to try to evict me. I'm not sure what my rights or options are?
I live in the state of Illinois.



[Edited by Nealy on 05-29-2001 at 05:04 PM]

 

[TCB4U2B2B]

Hello Nealy

You said two magic words...spoke...impression. Unfortunately, there isn't any honor any longer in words unless they are in writting. Since you didn't get anything in writting, the hold all the cards.

The meanings implied by the management...you can move into another unit...in landlord or management terms means new lease. Not a transfer...which they assumed you knew and you failed to ask for a clearifcation of.

Therefore, they rented your existing unit and expected you to sign a new lease. This is exactly how it works in evey case. Slightly underhanded deal from you propestive granted but perfectly legal and a great ploy by owners and managers to jackup the new units rent on both apartments.

 

[Nealy]

Thank you for your reply. I actually did make it clear to the prospective apt manager that I was not interested in a new 12 month lease, and asked if specifically if I would be staying under the same lease just in a different apt.
Even if no blame is placed on either side and it is just considered a miscommunication, Is it right that I get stuck without an apartment and have to pay termination fees??

 

[Nealy]

I have since talked to the Manager of my property manager. I explained to her what has happened and that my manager how my manager proposed to hanldle it. I also told her that I didn't agree with the decision. She said that my manager was wrong in telling me that it would be handled this way. Now my manager is trying to convince the people scheduled to move to take another unit. If that doesn't work, then she has to set up a shorter lease with the other complex (what I thought was happening in the first place). I let the management know that I appreciate everything they are trying to do, but I am still nervous.