Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
My boyfriend and I relocated from CA to UT for his job about three weeks ago. When we moved in we were concerned about a possible water leak in the downstairs bathroom because of obvious water damage to the flooring, we were assured there was not a leak. Less than three weeks into out lease we started to notice water on the floor in the same area, a maintenance person replaced the wax ring and said we were good to go. The next day the same thing but MORE water, we were asked to wait another day until the Water Damage team could come out. The Water Damage Team removed our washer and dryer, the toilet and the flooring for the bathroom and set up fans and a dehumidifier. We then contacted the Property Management company to find get a timeline for repairs when they arrived and looked at the damaged area there was raw sewage on the floor puddling up. Over the next 8 hours a plumber was called and it was determined there was a crushed pipe in the front yard and we would need to stay in a hotel. After 3 nights in a hotel we came home and later found out the pipe was fixed and the home was habitable again. We still have at least an estimated 2 weeks of repairs. My question: Is it unreasonable to expect to be reimbursed for lodging (for myself, boyfriend and our dog), food during the time we were unable to use our home, and prorated rent for the days we were unable to live in the home? Also, this has been a GREAT inconvenience to us as my boyfriend works graveyard and sleeps during the day and have been all in one hotel room and there will be demolition and repairs going on during the day while he is sleeping. Not to mention we will be 2 1/2 weeks without our washer and dryer, should we expect some sort of deduction from rent for inconvenience? In CA I have a similar situation and was not charged for rent during the time the home was being repaired, should I expect to not pay rent for the 2 weeks they will be repairing the property?
1 Answer from Attorneys
I assume you are in Utah. Your question is posted in California's section. You may want to repost in Utah. I do not know the answer in Utah. In California, you absolutely should be reimbursed for your hotel stay by your landlord.
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