I took a basement apartment and had signed the lease and paid the deposit and first month's rent. Later, I realized that it had water coming up through the tiles. I moved my things to another empty apartment across the hall.
I told the landloard that both these apartments were unliveable. I was worried about mold, they were supposed to have locks, but they didn't work and the second one had an outside door that led into the room.
They told me that another apartment next door was available in 2 days. Then they told me it was going to be a week, then they said it could be months.
I stayed reluctantly in the apartment across the hall for 10 days. I had given him a deadline of how long I was going to stay there and on the tenth day I left.
They returned my deposit, but not the remaining rent or a $25 background fee.
This was because I had not given 30 days notice.
Is there anyway to get this back? Is it considered fraud? There was no way I could have lived there.
If I take them to small claims court, is it worth it? I don't really know how to present proof(I don't have a picture of the puddle, I did however tell his secretary and the upstairs tenents why I left) When I told the landlord I was leaving and wanted to discuss my refund, he wouldn't talk to me. He was rude and brushed me off. I have the feeling he would lie in court.
Any advice you can give, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
C

