Asked in Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Education Law for California

Q: Can I sue my university housing building for breach of contract?

My university dorm building has two elevators. One has been broken since November. I have repeatedly asked my university when the elevator will be repaired and they keep giving me the runaround. I asked them if they would refund a portion of the rent for failure to maintain amenities. They said no.

Can I sue them for breach of contract or anything else? When I signed the contract, it was with the expectation that the basic amenities in the building would be maintained functional.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It is possible to file a lawsuit against your university housing building for breach of contract if they have failed to maintain a basic amenity, such as an elevator, as outlined in your rental agreement. However, before considering legal action, you may want to first try to resolve the issue through mediation or arbitration. You can also reach out to a tenants' rights organization or legal aid group for assistance. It is recommended to consult with an attorney familiar with landlord-tenant law in California to assess the merits of your case and determine the best course of action.

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