Can I sue my landlord for the following situation?

Question

We signed a lease to move in August 25th, we moved all our stuff in August 14-15th. We went out of town the next day. On August 17th we received a call from management saying that a pipe (sewage) from the upstairs broke and ruined all of our kitchen cabinets and living room carpet. We were told that by the time we move in that everything would be fixed and ready to live in. Well the day to move in came around and we see that nothing was fixed, and no one was available to return our call for 3 days leaving us homeless in a hotel for the time being. The apartment had mold rings all over the cabinets, carpet , and was smelling up the entire apartment. We sent them a letter saying that we would like to be compensated for the hotel bill and other expenses. Is there any other legal action we can take for damages?

Answer 1

Yes, you can probably go to small claims court and be compensated for hotel bills if the apartment was uninhabitable.  

You cannot sue for damages to your property, as it was moved in early.

Answer 2

What can you sue them for? The fact that a pipe broke? You shouldn't buy a house or an apartment until it is carefully inspected for any sort of problems especially in the electricity and the plumbing. If you had done that before you signed a lease this whole thing could have been prevented. And even still you should have been prepared to handle a situation like this. Buying a house is a huge risk especially if you don't have the money to fix potential problems with the apartment. If the landlord pays for the hotel bill consider that all the help you're gonna get. Welcome to the real world.

Answer 3

You weren't scheduled to move in until the 25th... It's HIS place.  When you grow up and own your own place, then you can make decisions... You are lucky they are even paying the hotel bill.  I sure wouldn't... You weren't scheduled to move in until the 25th!!!! There is absolutely nothing you can do.  Save up and buy a house.

Answer 4

A court would award you the rent for the place for the days it was uninhabitable.  Not your expenses.  Breach of contract damages are only designed to restore you to the contractual position, and do not cover collateral costs.  If the landlord offers you 1/10 of one months rent, take it.