Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

My apartment floods and needs repairs.

I rented a basement apartment 2 mths ago in a private house that is made into 3 apts. 1wk before I moved in, I discovered that the prior tenant not kept it very well, the owner said she was not going to clean and had not painted either

After moving in I found several repairs that needed to be done. Most important, a pipe in the panty closet and leaks water. The water collects every day, I dump it at night. They have been aware of this for a couple of yrs I am getting more and more water collecting. These repairs have not been done.

I have now had 2 floods after rain in the tile hallway that connects my living area to the bedroom. I did not know there was water as there is little light in the hallway, I fell and skidded across the hall on both occasions. Since the second fall I have had quite a lot of pain in my back especially in the lower region. I informed them of the floods and my falling each time. This has never been repaired. They say that job would cost approximately $10,000, which they will not spend and said I may have to move out. The family owns a construction company and several other businesses.

Do I have any recourse? How much would that cost me? Thank you.


Asked on 9/13/01, 10:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Savyon Grant Law Office of Savy Grant

Re: My apartment floods and needs repairs.

The first question I have is the apartment even a legal rental apartment? Many basement apartments are not.

Assume it is a legal apartment, you must give the landlod written notice of the apartments condition, you must give the landlord the opportunity to fix the problem. Than, you can take thing into your own hands.

I advice that you seek an attorney. If you plan on doing the above. You must follow the law, or you may end up paying damages to the landlord.

You are welcome to call me with your questions. My number is 201-646-9600.

Very truly,

Savy Grant

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Answered on 10/27/01, 10:40 pm


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