News
12-11-2006, 10:00 PM
Breaking Leases, Avoiding Smokers
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Edited questions from Apartment Life, Sara Gebhardt's online discussion about rental issues.
Q Alexandria: I have a new job lined up for February that will require moving. My lease expires in August. What steps can I take to avoid being penalized?
A Talk to your landlords and offer to help find a replacement tenant. It's early enough that you may be able to negotiate a way out of a lease termination penalty.
Washington: If I am renting an apartment (not in my house), can I legally rent only to non-smokers? I think it is unfair to my other tenants to have a smoker in the building.
Yes, you can rent only to non-smokers. This is not considered discrimination.
Washington: The teenager who lives above my unit walks very loudly. The constant thumping on my head drives me crazy. Many times I will either come home late or leave to avoid it. I have complained to the parents and the management office. Although it eases up, it never stops completely. They do have carpet but this does not seem to serve as a good enough noise barrier. I don't want to move -- the rent and location are great. Is there anything else I can do? Are there any noise ordinances that can help me with this heavy-footed teenager?
Noise ordinances do not usually cover heavy walking, unless it's so loud that it disturbs an entire building. Hearing the footsteps of people, many of whom are not heavy on their feet, is a common problem in apartment buildings. Construction of many buildings transmits such sounds easily. In some cases, there's really nothing you can do besides suggesting a carpet for the upstairs or padding your own apartment with big furniture so that your stuff absorbs some of the noise.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Edited questions from Apartment Life, Sara Gebhardt's online discussion about rental issues.
Q Alexandria: I have a new job lined up for February that will require moving. My lease expires in August. What steps can I take to avoid being penalized?
A Talk to your landlords and offer to help find a replacement tenant. It's early enough that you may be able to negotiate a way out of a lease termination penalty.
Washington: If I am renting an apartment (not in my house), can I legally rent only to non-smokers? I think it is unfair to my other tenants to have a smoker in the building.
Yes, you can rent only to non-smokers. This is not considered discrimination.
Washington: The teenager who lives above my unit walks very loudly. The constant thumping on my head drives me crazy. Many times I will either come home late or leave to avoid it. I have complained to the parents and the management office. Although it eases up, it never stops completely. They do have carpet but this does not seem to serve as a good enough noise barrier. I don't want to move -- the rent and location are great. Is there anything else I can do? Are there any noise ordinances that can help me with this heavy-footed teenager?
Noise ordinances do not usually cover heavy walking, unless it's so loud that it disturbs an entire building. Hearing the footsteps of people, many of whom are not heavy on their feet, is a common problem in apartment buildings. Construction of many buildings transmits such sounds easily. In some cases, there's really nothing you can do besides suggesting a carpet for the upstairs or padding your own apartment with big furniture so that your stuff absorbs some of the noise.