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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    mi
    Posts
    5

    Default My landlord told me vacating my storage unit is not optional

    Hello,

    My name is Markham, and I live in Farmington MI. I'm writing to you regarding a problem I'm having with my landlord.

    I live in an apartment. Several weeks ago, I got a notice from my landlord, to vacate my basement storage unit so their contractor could repair the basement wall damaged by leaking problems. They say the leaking was caused by nature--meaning rain, snow, etc.

    I have tons of personal belongings stored in my storage unit, and I find it impossible to put all of them in my apartment, which is on second floor. So I contacted the apartment management several times, in person, explained to them my difficulties, and asked if they could provide a temporay space.

    Unfortunately, they told me it's not their responsibility, and they would do nothing to help.

    Left with no choice, I sent them a notice saying I couldn't vacate my storage unit without them providing me a storage space.

    The very next day, they slipped a letter through under my door, telling me that vacating the storage unit is not an option, and they would vacate it for me if I don't do it myself, and they will bill me for the expense, and they would not be held responsible for any of the damage.

    I'm wondering if they have the right to do that, and what's my options.

    Thanks,

    markham

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Check Your Lease

    You need to check your lease, to determine if your lease of the basement storage space is part of the lease of your apartment, or if either (a) there is no mention of the storage space in your apartment lease, or (b) you have a separate lease for the storage space. Some landlords rent the storage space through a separate, commercial lease which doesn't offer the tenant the standard landlord-tenant protections which apply to rented housing.

    However, one way or another, you need to find a way to work this out with your landlord. It sounds like your landlord is attempting to perform an important and needed repair, and has provided you with notice of that repair such that your items won't be in the way and won't be damaged. A court is not going to make your landlord forestall the repairs until you move out (even if it deems the landlord's actions and threats inappropriate.) Is there, for example, an empty unit on the first floor which might provide for temporary storage while the repair is being performed?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    mi
    Posts
    5

    Default Thanks, aaron

    As you suggested, I checked my lease carefully. In the lease, it mentioned what kind of stuff that I can and can'tstore in my designated storage unit. and it's in the same lease as the apartment.

    I'm trying my best to work out with my landlord. They now are saying that I have to rent another apartment on the second floor in the same building to put my stuff. I told them I don't think I should be reponsible for the expense, since I already paid the rent.

    I'm now preparing for the worst case scenario. Let's say, I have to rent another apartment, hire help to assist me with moving all my stuff to the second floor. Who should be responsible for all the expense?

    Thanks again.

    Markham

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Thanks, aaron

    Quote Quoting markham
    I'm now preparing for the worst case scenario. Let's say, I have to rent another apartment, hire help to assist me with moving all my stuff to the second floor. Who should be responsible for all the expense?
    As it stands, you would be. If I were in your position, I would press the landlord to provide the alternative storage space for free. After all, you have leased the storage space, it is not your fault that it will be temporarily unavailable, and he has an empty apartment which he has already offered to make available for temporary storage.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    mi
    Posts
    5

    Default Thanks, aaron

    I talked with the landlord, and finally they agreed to let me use the apartment for free.

    Thanks so much.

    Markham

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