Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Our apartment complex often has special deals on rent, but the management company has a policy of not offering those to existing tenants.
Does anyone know if this is normal, if I can challenge this or where I can find out if the management company's policy is legal? I am in NC. We are paying in excess of $250 more per month than the current deal for our apartment and these rates are advertised widely on the web and if you call up the management company. Unfortunately, we are unable to move for legal reasons and so we are stuck. |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Sonic5
(Post 7678706)
Our apartment complex often has special deals on rent, but the management company has a policy of not offering those to existing tenants.
Does anyone know if this is normal, if I can challenge this or where I can find out if the management company's policy is legal? I am in NC. We are paying in excess of $250 more per month than the current deal for our apartment and these rates are advertised widely on the web and if you call up the management company. Unfortunately, we are unable to move for legal reasons and so we are stuck. |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
It's probably legal, although to be sure you would have to look at the specific regulations not just in your state but in your specific city or town since there may well be local ordinances that cover situations like this.
Remember, however, that everything is negotiable. Have you asked your management company if they will reduce your rent? Have you threatened to move out if they don't? (You said that you couldn't move "for legal reasons" but you didn't say what those reasons were - if it isn't related to your lease and the management company doesn't know that you "can't move" there is no reason why you can't threaten to move even if you have no intention of doing so ...) |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by md95065
(Post 7678858)
It's probably legal, although to be sure you would have to look at the specific regulations not just in your state but in your specific city or town since there may well be local ordinances that cover situations like this.
Remember, however, that everything is negotiable. Have you asked your management company if they will reduce your rent? Have you threatened to move out if they don't? (You said that you couldn't move "for legal reasons" but you didn't say what those reasons were - if it isn't related to your lease and the management company doesn't know that you "can't move" there is no reason why you can't threaten to move even if you have no intention of doing so ...) |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by md95065
(Post 7678858)
It's probably legal, although to be sure you would have to look at the specific regulations not just in your state but in your specific city or town since there may well be local ordinances that cover situations like this.
Remember, however, that everything is negotiable. Have you asked your management company if they will reduce your rent? Have you threatened to move out if they don't? (You said that you couldn't move "for legal reasons" but you didn't say what those reasons were - if it isn't related to your lease and the management company doesn't know that you "can't move" there is no reason why you can't threaten to move even if you have no intention of doing so ...) I cannot say what the reason is why we cannot move (because it could easily identify us) but if we were to threaten to move if the management didn't lower our rent and the management called our bluff, the effect if us having to move would result in a loss of many thousands. We did ask for a reduction and they offered a small one, but only if we signed a new agreement, the terms and condition of which were not acceptable and somewhat offensive. |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Kaffy Mintcake
(Post 7678866)
That's a good point, only I wouldn't threaten. I talked to my landlord with concern about my rent once and he sent me a letter guaranteeing to fix it for three years. It can't hurt, but don't attack.
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Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Sonic5
(Post 7678872)
I cannot say what the reason is why we cannot move (because it could easily identify us) but if we were to threaten to move if the management didn't lower our rent and the management called our bluff, the effect if us having to move would result in a loss of many thousands.
The fact that they offered a small reduction indicates that there is still room for more negotiation. Next step is for you to go back to them with a counter proposal ... |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by md95065
(Post 7678873)
Ok - perhaps "threaten" is too strong a word - but the OP should definitely *ask* for a rent reduction if they haven't done so already - the worst that can happen in that case is that the management company says "no" ...
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Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Sonic5
(Post 7678706)
Our apartment complex often has special deals on rent, but the management company has a policy of not offering those to existing tenants.
Does anyone know if this is normal...? ~ Jenney |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Lots of companies do promotions for new customers and not current ones, and apartments are no different. What they are doing is pretty normal.
My places I have rented there was always an annual increase in rent, so older tenants paid more then newer ones. |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Jenney & Mark
(Post 7679120)
Yes, totally normal. In fact, I would say it's standard practice. It's just like when gyms have sign-up specials -- "Sign up for 6 months and get one month free", etc -- which aren't open to existing gym members. It's their way of attracting new customers. Annoying, but true.
~ Jenney I know that Optimum was taken to task on that because of a special offer only to new customers and specified in small "not existing customers". Turns out here in NYC area they have to offer the same to existing customers as well if is great for us with FIOS since Verizon is guaranteeing no price increase for 2 years to lure in new customers. |
Re: Overpaying on apartment rent :thumbdown:
Originally Posted by Sonic5
(Post 7678706)
.
The only areas where you might be able to cry foul are things like violations in fair housing, lead based paint disclosure, ADA, housing codes etc. If you break your lease (if not legit nor legal), it could adversely work against you down the road too. For the next time, you could address incentives, such as those given, in a lease provision. ... as well as apartments etc going into foreclosure... |
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