Quote Quoting aaron
What does your lease say about the move-in date?
The lease clearly states that the move-in date is July 1, but there is also a clause in my lease that reads:

"A situation could arise which might prevent Owner from letting You move into the Apartment on the beginning date set in this Lease. If this happens for reasons beyond Owner's reasonable control, Owner will not be responsible for Your expenses, and this Lease will remain in effect."

A friend of mine is married to a real-estate lawyer, and he told me that New York State law might override that clause, and if so I could terminate the lease and get all my money back if the landlord is unwilling to "surrender" the apartment on the move-in date indicated on the lease.

But that's not really my goal; I like the apartment I've found, and I've since made arrangements (in what was a stroke of luck) to stay in my current apartment for those few extra days. What I'm concerned about is the cryptic and evasive behavior of the management company regarding WHEN exactly I CAN move in. Why aren't they returning my calls, and why are they refusing to talk to me? The paperwork I received with my lease stresses that arranging a move-in date is essential, so I don't understand why they're being so difficult.

Thank you for your reply and for the tenant's-union information.