Temporary Displacement from my Apartment

ADbassman · #1 08-01-2011, 10:45 PM

I live on the second floor of a two story apartment building. Recently the management company/owner began replacing the deck and told us we need to vacate our apartment for 2 weeks so they can replace the deck and stairs in front of it. That's all well and good, except they have offered us no alternative housing arrangements and told us we need to vacate 2 weeks before they destroy our deck.

From my perspective, I shouldn't have to pay a dime to be temporarily displaced from my own house, yet they are offered little more than pro-rated rent (and haven't even said that explicitly.) Still, $30 a day is not even close to enough for a hotel, especially in a tourist town like Monterey. This is complicated by the fact we have a cat, and the hotel likely won't have a kitchen. I'm in the process of talking it out with the management company, but I'm still trying to plan for the future in case they refuse to offer anything.

Has anyone gone through this or something similar? Does anybody have any idea of what kind of legal rights I have here? I'm doing my own research and seeking legal advice at the military base I work on, but any help or advice is appreciated.

96tbird · #2 08-01-2011, 11:08 PM

Wow, if they can do that to you in your state, i don't know what to say.... move here to Canada where tenants have rights? (half kidding)

Dig into the state laws, they should have a search on their website where you can find the info. Up here we have a government department that has all the info we need, your state MUST have something online for you! Good luck brother!

sandmangeck · #3 08-01-2011, 11:16 PM

Where is here? you have 2 listed places you live

ADbassman · #4 08-01-2011, 11:21 PM

Monterey, specifically Pacific Grove, California. I edited my OP to clarify since it looked like it was written by a 7th grader.

Longhair · #5 08-01-2011, 11:41 PM

Since this is happening in California, be lucky that they allow you to live there after paying rent

ADbassman · #6 08-02-2011, 05:59 PM

Nobody?

tastybasslines · #7 08-02-2011, 06:15 PM

What about dialing 311? You can do that anonymously to start and see if it does anything.

**jmattbassplaya** · #8 08-02-2011, 06:27 PM

Read your housing contract or hire a lawyer to do so for you. I'm sure situations like this are outlined somewhere.

bassbrad · #9 08-02-2011, 10:20 PM

I used to manage apartments (in Texas not California) and there is no way that would fly. You and your neighbors should contact the local tenants council and have them assist with the situation, they will know the law and collectively you will more clout.
My only experience like this was when we had to vacate several units at a time for rewiring and we made arrangements with a near by hotel for temporary housing for the displaced residents and a security guard.