Landlord removing key feature after move-in - offering transfer unit but I have to pay for the move. Fair? (US)
Hi all! Looking for some honest outside perspective because this has been really frustrating.
I moved into a new apartment complex, I selected this complex and first floor unit because it had direct patio access to grass, with a nice private area beyond the patio. This was my main deciding factor as I have a dog, and it provides great functionality.
I was just informed 6 days after moving in (but have having had an active lease for 5 weeks) that they’re now adding railing around all first floor patios, which will completely remove the direct access to the grass from the unit. They said it’s due to safety requirements as they finish construction and there are no exceptions. For reference about 40 ft from my patio there is a tree line/hill where they also intend to put railing. They've shared the true safety concern is not specifically with my unit, but they intend to keep them all uniform with this railing.
Their proposed solution is:
- I can transfer to a different unit that still has patio/grass access but it faces the parking lot vs a private wooded treeline
- They’ll keep my rent the same as what I'm currently paying (they've increased rent by $75 since I signed my lease - so they think this is a concession).
- I would still need to manage and pay for the move myself, after just moving in and unpacking
- The alternative units have less privacy and more foot traffic, which isn’t ideal with my dog
- If I stay in my current unit there is no rent adjustment, even though I’m losing a feature that was a big selling point they used.
From my perspective, this feels like:
- I’m being asked to either take the L and deal with not having direct grass access
- Take on the cost and effort of moving, for a unit at the same price that is less private
I pushed back and asked for either:
- Help with moving costs if I transfer or
- A rent concession
WWYD? Advice