Articles: House Or Apartment

Dear Consumer Ed:  The apartment I rent has a 12-month lease. The property was recently sold and the management company changed. I am concerned that they may raise the rent at the end of the lease term. How far in advance of my lease expiration are they required to notify me of a planned rent increase?

Dear Consumer Ed:  There is a leaky water pipe underneath the house I rent. I’ve spoken to my landlord about it several times over the last two months, but he won’t fix it. What can I do to get this repaired? Also, am I still responsible for paying my water bill, which, thanks to this leak, has gone from $77 to $142 a month?

Dear Consumer Ed:  I’m having solar panels installed on my home.  What kind of licensing is the installer required to have?

Dear Consumer Ed:  Can an apartment complex force tenants to pay for “valet” trash pickup in front of their apartment door versus letting us just take care of it and throw it away in the dumpster for free?

Dear Consumer Ed:  Since my original apartment lease expired, I am on a month-to-month lease. Can my landlord increase the rent by $150/month with only eight days’ notice?

Dear Consumer Ed:  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my landlord has been forcing residents to pay their rent online, which incurs an $18 to $30 fee. Is this legal?

Dear Consumer Ed:  My family and I have been living in an extended-stay motel for the past six months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic I lost my job, and my husband’s work hours were cut in half. We have not been able to pay our motel bill for the last two weeks. The manager is now threatening to kick us out if we cannot pay by the end of the week. Is this allowed? Do we have to move out immediately? 

Dear Consumer Ed:  I believe that my homeowners association is misusing homeowners dues. What can I do to figure out how this money is actually being spent? 

Dear Consumer Ed:  How do I obtain the name of a property owner?

Dear Consumer Ed:  I just found out that there is a judgment lien against my house.  How does this affect my house?  How long will the lien be there?  What can I do to get rid of the lien?