Should I get a break in my rent?

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:10 pm

This is another one of those, "Let me know what you think is right" threads.

So, Bullet and I rent an upper flat, super cheap, nice enough place. Our driveway is a cement slab, no garage, not even a car port. Next door is a big empty lot. We just found out that lot has been sold and our driveway is on that property. So, we will be losing it, and will have to park on the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street. The bikes, have no idea what we are going to do with them. If you were in this situation, would you demand a cut in your rent, since you're now out a place to park your car?

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:14 pm

Is the driveway in your lease?

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:17 pm

Excellent question....should have thought of that first. Going to check.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:22 pm

Did your landlord own the lot with the driveway that was sold? If not, then you were using the driveway gratis all the time you have been renting and I wouldn't think that you would be entitled to a reduction in your rent.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:23 pm

Lease in hand, and yes, the driveway is in my lease, and the landlord owned that lot, with my driveway on it.

Clint · Post by **Clint** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:24 pm

The City may be interested in this. It is possible that the building you are in was permitted with the stipulation or understanding that it had adequate parking. Selling the property next door could be something they agreed not to do at some point, so they would be allowed to build.

jasmund · Post by **jasmund** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:27 pm

-You go Clint!!!!!!!

-who says legal advice isnt free!!!!!!!!!

-good luck baby rider, and thank Clint.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:36 pm

IF you wanted to, this is a lease-breaker. perhaps even a civil action against the owner.

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:36 pm

If it's in your lease and he takes it away, it violates your lease. Unless it states in the lease that the driveway can be taken away or that the landlord can change the lease agreement at any time. Make sure to read the fine print! If there's no loophole, take it to him/her. Maybe you can get some sort of pole barn put up at their expense to house the bikes.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:37 pm

I wondered if that was the case, LC. I don't want to move, and I don't want to take my landlords to court, they are a super nice couple, but I don't think a rent cut is too extreme a request.

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 7:11 am

BabyRider wrote: I wondered if that was the case, LC. I don't want to move, and I don't want to take my landlords to court, they are a super nice couple, but I don't think a rent cut is too extreme a request.

BR, You said what I was going to warn about, don't do anything that may force you to have to move. (You said you like it there.) So asking for a rent reduction is not outrageious on you part. But what do you think a piece of slab it worth? What ever it is, probably won't cover the cost of renting a garage or space somewhere else. And your still stuck with the delima of what to do with the bikes! Good Luck!

Let us know how it turns out!

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:47 am

Well, it's already becoming a pain in the ass. I just got home, and tried to put my bike on our narrow sidewalk leading up to the house instead of on the driveway, (they're supposed to begin building today) and the sidewalk has a severe drop-off, which I slipped off of, trying to back my bike up, dropping the damn thing and shattering my turnsignal. F***!!!!!!! I haven't worked up the courage to look at my paint yet. This is going to be a nightmare.

cars · Post by **cars** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:51 am

BabyRider wrote: Well, it's already becoming a pain in the ass. I just got home, and tried to put my bike on our narrow sidewalk leading up to the house instead of on the driveway, (they're supposed to begin building today) and the sidewalk has a severe drop-off, which I slipped off of, trying to back my bike up, dropping the damn thing and shattering my turnsignal. F***!!!!!!! I haven't worked up the courage to look at my paint yet. This is going to be a nightmare.

BR, you never mentioned if it was possible to park cars on the street where you live. Some towns don't like, it but they will allow it, without giving out tickets. Then park the bikes on the grass? If no and can't, then Just a thought. That narrow sidewalk you mentioned, any possibility of Bullet & his guys mixing up some cement & making it "wider"?

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:06 pm

BR, Sound like a delima to me. You stated your rent was cheap, maybe thats why. If you start asking for a reduction who know what may happen... On the other hand if the driveway is in the lease then something should be done to accomodate parking for the tennents, sound like you may have a situation here that has no clear easy answer. :-3

If you already damaged your bike trying to get in on the strip to park it you may have to ask them to cement that strip in so you can park your bikes there..

Boy this could be a problem...

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 6:13 pm

There is a real estate law about renting that applies to egress to your rental property. If the driveway was included in your lease then you the right to egress your property - meaning you have a right to park your vehicles on the property and have access to your front door from that parking space. It IS a violation of the lease.

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 1:56 pm

They might not have even realized it was in violation of the lease. I bet if you sit down and talk with them about it you can come up with a solution.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 4:13 pm

BabyRider wrote: Well, it's already becoming a pain in the ass. I just got home, and tried to put my bike on our narrow sidewalk leading up to the house instead of on the driveway, (they're supposed to begin building today) and the sidewalk has a severe drop-off, which I slipped off of, trying to back my bike up, dropping the damn thing and shattering my turnsignal. F***!!!!!!! I haven't worked up the courage to look at my paint yet. This is going to be a nightmare.

Ouch ! That sucks ! Make sure he sees it take a pic.