Can I take any legal action for construction being done in my apartment that is affecting our quality of life?

Question

My boyfriend and I moved into a new apartment complex this spring, with the disclosure by the apartment managers that they would be remodeling the complex. They didn't detail what that would mean. They just started on our building and have told us that we need to have everything moved out of our balcony and balcony closet and that we will have limited to no access to it for the next three months. They are also redoing our kitchen, but that's not so much of an issue, because they said they would be done with it in five days or so after starting it. Additionally, we have to have everything off the walls and have been warned to have all electronics on surge protectors, because "things happen". For the balcony, they are offering us storage space on the complex grounds, but it is not in a convenient location for us to be getting stuff from it frequently. I'm upset about this because part of the reason we chose this complex was for the balcony; I have plants, a bike, chairs, and other assorted things out there. Essentially, we are having part of our apartment's square footage taken away for an extended period of time. I would like a rent reduction or something similar. Do we have any grounds to submit a complaint, legal or otherwise?

Update:

To address the "quality of life" part of the original question, our pathways to our apartment are constantly blocked, and today a pipe burst causing us to be out of water all day.

Jacqueline · Accepted Answer

I definitely think so. while you can't tell your landlord not to make renovations to property he owns, it is also not fair to the tenants that significant living quarters are affected for more than a day's time. to renovate your kitchen or balcony, it should not take more than a day. I'd recommend speaking to other tenants in the apartment and see if you can strike a compensation deal with the landlord. if the landlord doesn't want to comply or the other tenants don't want to participate, then bring this concern to a housing attorney.

Anonymous · Answer

I think that you are probably not going to get anywhere with a rent reduction request since they made you aware of the impending construction before you moved in.  However, if you feel this strongly about it, there is no harm in consulting an attorney.  They can give you sound advice, usually for free, and let you know what your options are. I understand how frustrating it can be, but since you were advised before you moved in, I don't know if you have any recourse against it.  Just contact a lawyer in your area.

Slickterp · Answer

Depending on where you live, not having a balcony January - March is not that big of a deal.

Balcony is not part of your apartment's square footage, sorry.  No grounds for a rent reduction.

R P · Answer

The management has given you alternative storage until the construction is finished. The problem with the water pipe has nothing to do with your "issue," pipes can break at any time. How on earth do you expect the pipes to be repaired if the water is not shut off?

You are not entitled to any sort of rent reduction.

LILL · Answer

So let me see.  You want to sue for a rent reduction because of improvements done to the property that you were made aware of BEFORE you agreed to sign a lease and move in.

Oh brother....this must be your first apartment or you feel that you are just that entitled.

? · Answer

learn the laws for renters where u live.

here, that is bovine manure.
landlord never do any thing to your
apartment when u live there.

balconys are Not included in any
apartment footage , legally.

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Can I take any legal action for construction being done in my apartment that is affecting our quality of life?

6 Answers