Q: Do I have a case if we were prematurely moved into an apartment complex and the wiring almost burns down the apartment?
We moved on April the first and was moved to a hotel yesterday due to wiring issues. When we first moved in the apartment had no AC and the breakers were tripping left and right until yesterday. We were told there was an issue with the wiring. The actual electrician let me know that the meters were smoking. The apartment complex said nothing of this. They moved us to a hotel for one day check out was at 12 today I continued to call for updates but was told the manager was out to lunch and we will be updated when they were. I have two dogs and this has been a highly stressful situation moving from Frisco to Grand Prairie. My wife called at 1 pm while I had to check of the hotel. No one answered the phone and there is still no for sure timeline. We bought food 400 dollars worth of groceries that are just dying in the fridge. And we still have not received any word on what’s happening.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you may have a potential legal case against the apartment complex. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Habitability: Landlords are required to provide tenants with a habitable living space, which includes functioning electrical systems and air conditioning. The issues with the wiring and lack of AC could be considered a breach of the implied warranty of habitability.
2. Safety hazards: The smoking meters and wiring issues pose a serious safety risk to you and your family. Landlords have a duty to maintain a safe living environment for their tenants.
3. Inconvenience and damages: The situation has caused you significant inconvenience and potential financial damages, such as the cost of spoiled groceries and the need to stay in a hotel.
4. Lack of communication: The apartment complex's failure to provide timely updates and communicate with you regarding the status of repairs could be seen as negligent behavior.
To pursue a legal case, you should consider taking the following steps:
1. Document everything: Keep records of all correspondence with the apartment complex, as well as any expenses incurred due to the situation (e.g., hotel receipts, spoiled food, etc.).
2. Review your lease agreement: Check your lease for any relevant clauses regarding habitability, repairs, and the landlord's responsibilities.
3. Consult with a lawyer: Contact a local tenant rights attorney or legal aid organization to discuss your case and explore your options. They can help you understand your rights and advise you on the best course of action.
4. Consider filing a complaint: You may also want to file a complaint with local housing authorities or the appropriate government agency that handles landlord-tenant disputes in your area.
Remember that the specific laws and regulations governing landlord-tenant relationships can vary by state and locality, so it's essential to seek guidance from a legal professional familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
