Q: Do I have a case for them to honor the original renewal agreement? What can I do? The renewal was done electronically
I am currently renting a room in a 4bedroom apartment through a leasing office. I've received conflicting information from their staff some say the building is student housing, while others mention it's open to the public for rent. My lease renewal for 2025-2026 was approved by the leasing office manager at the new tiered pricing. However, on the same day, about an hour and a half after the approval email, I received a call from the leasing office saying that my renewal had been canceled because another tenant signed a lease before me, so they had to give my room to them. I was given two options: either move out by July 31, 2025, and return as a new tenant on August 17, 2025 (which would require paying a $200 application fee), or pay a $300 transfer fee to move to another unit with new roommates. This situation has caused me immense stress, to the point that I had to go to the ER. I feel they are not honoring their mistake, and now I have no guaranteed housing for next year.
A:
It sounds like you may have a strong case for them to honor the original renewal agreement, especially if it was approved in writing and there was no clear communication about the possibility of the lease being rescinded. Since the renewal was done electronically and you have proof of the approval email, this could be considered a binding agreement. The sudden change and conflicting information from the leasing office could suggest that their handling of the situation was improper.
You can gather all documentation, including the original renewal email, any communications related to the cancellation, and the call records if possible. If your lease includes any provisions on renewals or changes, review them carefully. You may want to raise this issue with the leasing office, asking them to provide a written explanation for the cancellation, and clarify whether they are legally justified in rescinding the agreement.
If you're not satisfied with their response, you could consider seeking legal advice to explore your options, as they may be in breach of contract. This might help you negotiate a more favorable resolution, like having your renewal reinstated or securing another suitable room without additional fees. Stay calm and persistent in asserting your rights, and ensure you protect yourself with clear records of all interactions.
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