Are there Federal Laws To Protect Apartment Renters-See Below

[DoublePlayBall]

I am a senior living in a rented apartment in Virginia, run by a company as opposed to an individual. I was out of state for several days and when I returned there had been a "flood": using the manager's word, that affected 12 apartments. This was due to a burst hot water pipe on the 3rd floor. (I was NOT affected as I live on the opposite end of building). Bu I am concerned, as it could have been me on a lower floor that was forced to leave their apartment as the others were. My search on Google seems to be that things are different in states as to the rights of the renter--will call a "displaced person". The affected units here are not inhabitable and the people have had to move. The rumors run rampant as to what (if anything) the apartment complex is responsible for and I do not personally know the people involved.

Not a good situation for single seniors with no family in the area. Tough actually on advanced age seniors and by the Grace of God I wasn't affect except mentally. Are there Federal Laws that give renters' rights here? (Yes I have renters insurance, but that likely covers the minimum) Thanks.

 

[DoublePlayBall]

I know there are at least a couple of posters that are attorneys from my question about wills. Hope one is around about this issue. Maybe this one is not as easy as wills, etc.

 

[IMISREMEMBER]

Was renting a 2nd floor apartment in Chicago Burbs, some how my toilet wax failed and fucked the tenants ceiling with my piss and deuce remnants and water stains. Now I been renting for 3 years no issues, below neighbor says nothing to me, I get a serious letter from property manager saying you are responsible, your fault etc. And got to fix the bathroom ceiling below. I could not believe my dumb ass was responsible for the flipping plumbing in a rented apartment. Ya had insurance $500 deductible , which was lot to me, was so pissed.

 

[Doug]

I'm not an attorney but that seems it would fall on the landowner not the tenant, imo

 

[Doug]

I

 

[DoublePlayBall]

It's sad to think somehow it's a state issue...Basic rights should not cross state lines... But Damn..displaced people

 

[DoublePlayBall]

If being displaced from your home is a "state issue", then I need to find another state to live, This isn't a natural disaster hurricane etc.

 

[DoublePlayBall]

likely a very narrow population that has experience..Thanks for those that tried.

 

[SECplayer]

I doubt that it has very much to do with federal or state law.

The issue is contractual and would be governed by the lease lease between the landlord and the displaced persons (and you).

The lease almost certainly has a provision that details each party’s responsibilities and rights in the event the premises is destroyed. A typical provision would say that if the premises is destroyed and cannot be restored within X days, the landlord has the ability to terminate the lease. Most leases are landlord friendly because most tenants do not read them much less attempt to negotiate them. And even an attempt to negotiate is generally met with a “take it or leave it” response.

So while there are technically probably *some* minor federal andor state laws that govern residential leases, so long as landlord isn’t overtly discriminating or something along those lines the displaced persons are going to be out of luck if lease is drafted as I anticipate it was.

If two parties mutually consent to the terms of a contract then the lease should control those parties’ rights.

 

[Bourn]

Most attorneys offer free counsel. Just call one up

 

[DoublePlayBall]

I doubt that it has very much to do with federal or state law.

The issue is contractual and would be governed by the lease lease between the landlord and the displaced persons (and you).

The lease almost certainly has a provision that details each party’s responsibilities and rights in the event the premises is destroyed. A typical provision would say that if the premises is destroyed and cannot be restored within X days, the landlord has the ability to terminate the lease. Most leases are landlord friendly because most tenants do not read them much less attempt to negotiate them. And even an attempt to negotiate is generally met with a “take it or leave it” response.

So while there are technically probably *some* minor federal andor state laws that govern residential leases, so long as landlord isn’t overtly discriminating or something along those lines the displaced persons are going to be out of luck if lease is drafted as I anticipate it was.

If two parties mutually consent to the terms of a contract then the lease should control those parties’ rights.

Thanks Much! If I wasn't facing cataract surgery in 2 weeks, would investigate with the office personnel; although they are of very little help or information. (They leave legal talk to their lawyers).

 

[CaptainLee]

You probably have a Fair Housing Center in your home county. I'd call them for direct advice or where to research. Local tv news also may want to investigate and report.

 

[DoublePlayBall]

You probably have a Fair Housing Center in your home county. I'd call them for direct advice or where to research. Local tv news also may want to investigate and report.

Good Info..I found their website for my city. Quite extensive.