Landlord (Irvine Company) is troubling us, is this even legal?
We recently moved into the North Park Apartment community owned and managed by The Irvine Company. Ours is a family of four, with two little kids.
Last week, the Unit above us flooded due to a Washing machine breakdown. The water seeped through their floor and poured heavily through our ceiling. All our light fixtures had water pouring through them. This happened in the middle of the night, luckily we were home and were able to contain the water in buckets.
Later inspectors (private, from the Irvine Company) came in and saw water still sitting in the ceiling. They advised repairs and told us we may not be allowed to stay in the unit at the time of repairs.
The Irvine company reached out to us and wants us to file a claim with our renters insurance and also claim temporary housing from them. This doesn't makes sense to me. Why should we file a claim when it's not our fault? Won't it affect our insurance history and cause problems later?
When I refused to file the claim they asked us to stay with our friends and family. We don't have any friends and family in the area.
They are offering to give a credit of 129$ per day (daily rent) for not being able to stay at the unit. But 129$ cannot get you anything. Hotel prices are almost twice. I don't know what to do.
This feels unfair. Can landlords do this? Are they not liable for anything here?
Do I have any options?
Also, please correct me if I am wrong on my part.