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  1. #1

    Default False Promises of a Rent Discount

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Michigan

    I recently applied to an apartment with two roommates and unfortunately we have run into some issues after turning in our security deposit.

    Firstly, before we turned in our security deposit, we were told on multiple occasions that we were being offered $500 off 1st months rent only if we turned in our security deposit on or before May 18th. We did turn our security deposit in on May 18th just as we were told, and we were assured that we would be getting the $500 off. I have all of my phone calls recorded, including all of the phone conversations I've had with multiple people in their leasing office where I've been told the amount I owe at the time of lease signing. Now we did have some issues with our move in date being moved around almost daily, but this is besides that fact however this is the reason Ive had so many conversations with the leasing office.

    On May 30th, I called about our move in date and again, I was told I would receive $500 off. On the 31st we were finally told we could come in and sign our lease on June 1st. When I confirmed the amount I owed for the first months rent I was told they have no record of the $500 off on my file and I would owe the full amount and could sign the lease tomorrow or I would forfeit my security deposit. I went into the office and showed them the multiple recordings I have of them telling me the amount I owed but they told me there was nothing they could do.

    I'm not sure what to do here, I feel like I was trapped into signing the lease because they would keep my security deposit if I decided not to go through with signing the lease. Are they within their right to make false promises? Or is there anything I can do at this point?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: False Promises of a Rent Discount

    Your recordings of phone conversations are illegal in MI and cannot be used as evidence.

    However, it is legal by case law, to record a face to face conversation that you are a party to.

    See:

    https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recor...guide/michigan

    One important lesson for you to learn in life is that when somebody promises you something, get it in writing.

    If you recorded a face to face conversation with somebody who promised you the $500 credit or have some sort of written documentation, you might win in small claims court if you sued for it.

    Another lesson, never hand over any money for a rental unless you inspect it first, find it turnkey, ready to move in, and get the keys on the day you sign the lease.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    98,846

    Default Re: False Promises of a Rent Discount

    If you are a party to a conversation in Michigan, whether in person or on the phone, you can record the conversation.
    Quote Quoting MCL 750.539a(2)
    "Eavesdrop" or "eavesdropping" means to overhear, record, amplify or transmit any part of the private discourse of others without the permission of all persons engaged in the discourse.
    If you are a party to the conversation, it's not the private discourse of others.

    Did you in fact sign the lease? But only after being told that you would lose your deposit if you did not sign?

    Have you now moved in?

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