My Stupid Landlord?
Question:So my landlord just put up all these notices that they are locking the laundry facilities at 10pm which is also where my storage unit is. I figure because i have 2 kids plus me and the hubby and a 3rd baby on the way its easier for me to do laundry at night when i no one needs hot water. I also figure that because i am a night owl i should be able to access my storage when i want not when they say so. Am i wrong in this? There is only 1 washer and 1 dryer for all 14 apartments and usually its taken during the day. Should i ask the super for the new key discreetly or should i just shut up and deal with it., and there isn't a laundromat near me.
Answers:
Unless it was stated in your original contract about laundry hours then you have every legal right to have access to the laundry whenever you want it. You could simply ask for a key so that you can access it, or you could demand a key from the landlord you are quite within your legal rights to do so. The fact that your storage locker is in there gives you the right to access it anytime you choose. There are many people who cannot access the laundry between the times stated for various reasons so he has no right to prohibit people from access. He must give you a key. stand your ground, you pay the rent, so you are quite within your legal rights. Good luck
Talk to the super and see if you can make arrangements to get a key to the facility. They may appreciate your off-hours efforts, and will be able to restrict access to the facility.
I would ask for a key.You are doing your landlord a favor, not blocking the facility at a diffulcult time. He certainly could do with another washing machine at least.
I'm not an expert on the law, but it sounds like you're in a small complex, if there are only 14 units. Your landlord probably thinks they can do this. You should check with your local tenant union (most cities have one), and see if the landlord is allowed to do this. If they can, ask if you can get special privileges, or explain that you can't access the storage. That might cause problems with the other tenants, however. Maybe the landlord will rethink this decision.
You are right, your landlord is stupid. Looks like he doesn't understand that if his tenants are not happy there he will have to find new ones.
being as you pay rent ..which means your paying for that storage area he has no reason to lock up that area..you should be looking up tenant rights in your state to find out who to contact to solve this matter
doing it your own way without the proper legal advice *often times free thru the tenant rights people* could just end up with a dispute between you and your landlord
he is probably locking it because of the noise of the washer in nearby apartments, theft, or damage to property..so its understandable why hes doing it..but..hes going about it the wrong way
Your paying to live there so your definately not wrong. What if an emergency happens and you need to get in there? There are so many arguements to justify you gettin your way and it never hurts to ask. If it was me id be polite(at first) let em know their creating new hardships, and if the landlord doesnt comply than raise hell.
Try bringing up the subject with your landlord in a peaceful
non-confrontive way. Ask him if there is a problem with the
laundry room being unlocked at night. Maybe the noise
from the machines is bothering another tenant, or maybe
the landlord thinks a non tenant is sneaking in at night to
use the machines and he doesn't want to be paying for
water and electricity for someone who doesn't live there.
So, try to find out the reason why he is installing a lock.
If its because of non tenant use, tell him that this creates
a problem for you, as you need to access your storeroom
(I presume you have a good reason why you need to get
into your storeroom at night? Work materials stored there
or other supplies that you need to access that late?)
Also, mention that it is easier for you to get your laundry
done later in the day, if it isn't a noise problem that
another tenant has complained about (this could be the problem, and if the other tenant is constantly complaining
about your midnight laundry habits, you arent going to get
very far) If things work out, ask your landlord for a key, in
fact, if he installs a lock, all the tenants should have a key-
if he doesn't live on site, there could come a day when he
doesn't get there to unlock, or just forgets to get around to
it. Check your lease, some apartments state hours that
the laundry room can be used, or there may be a notice
in the laundry area that states the hours of operation.
If you aren't breaking the rules, and you ask in a polite,
reasonable way (and refrain from calling the landlord
stupid to his face) you may get a key and then your
problem is solved.
In every apartment complex I have ever lived in they have had hours for the laundry facilities. However the fact that your storage is also in the laundry makes it a little fishy to me. You are suppose to have access to your personal storage whenever you need it. I would ask to move your personal storage but deal with the laundry hours like all the other residents.
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