Question about windows installed by landlord

R

rascaldascal

New Member
Jurisdiction
California
My landlord just installed new windows throughout my apartment unit. I have two issues. First he removed the window air conditioning units because they now longer fit the new frames. They only way the air conditioning units would accommodate the new windows would be to install them in such a way that the windows would no longer be able to open at all. I frequently like opening my windows for fresh air, however I also need air conditioning because it gets extremely hot during the summer since my apartment doesn't have any insulation.

My second issue is that the windows he installed are extremely dark. The rooms get little natural light as it is and now I feel like I live in a cave. Now I have to turn on the lights in the house during the day just to see because I have very little natural light coming in anymore.

I brought this up to my landlord and he basically said tough luck. If I don't like it I can move out. Do I have any recourse? Is he violating any codes or tenants rights to enjoyment of premises?
 
rascaldascal said:
My landlord just installed new windows throughout my apartment unit. I have two issues. First he removed the window air conditioning units because they now longer fit the new frames. They only way the air conditioning units would accommodate the new windows would be to install them in such a way that the windows would no longer be able to open at all. I frequently like opening my windows for fresh air, however I also need air conditioning because it gets extremely hot during the summer since my apartment doesn't have any insulation.

My second issue is that the windows he installed are extremely dark. The rooms get little natural light as it is and now I feel like I live in a cave. Now I have to turn on the lights in the house during the day just to see because I have very little natural light coming in anymore.

I brought this up to my landlord and he basically said tough luck. If I don't like it I can move out. Do I have any recourse? Is he violating any codes or tenants rights to enjoyment of premises?
Click to expand...
Your recourse is to move at the end of your lease. Do you only have one window per room?
 
rascaldascal said:
I brought this up to my landlord and he basically said tough luck. If I don't like it I can move out. Do I have any recourse?
Click to expand...

Oh my, that isn't the way for a landlord to speak to her tenants.

That said, if I were you, I'd start my search for a new place to live.

You're paying some of your hard earned money to live in one of her units, and she treats you like you are her indentured servant.

As you seek a place to rent where you are spoken to politely, while living comfortably, I'd do my best to avoid the landlord.

If you do encounter her, be polite, say nothing more about this; no need to cause that savage to further trifle with you and your feelings.
 
army judge said:
Your price assessment is "spot on", mate.

A few examples:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honeywel...MIjcGSnuLr5wIViobACh2JdgtjEAYYAyABEgIx__D_BwE

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Amana-10...-804-1707a68c738ff8&athancid=null&athena=true

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Haier-6-...10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=894530522&veh=sem
Click to expand...
I googled before posting to see if it was a reasonable option for the OP. I haven't had to purchase a new AC in 20 years...my apts either had central air or wall units.

I'm in Vegas area now...in 2 months the temps will be in high 90's or low 100's. Thank You God for central air.
 
justblue said:
I'm in Vegas area now...in 2 months the temps will be in high 90's or low 100's. Thank You God for central air.
Click to expand...

Yes, the desert can get hot, especially with all that asphalt and concrete all around you.

We bought one of those portable units for an elderly, disabled, veteran (as in older than my wife and me) and church member two years ago.

I was surprised that it cost a little over $200 (with our military discount), which was a tad over a solid window unit.

We bought one for ourselves if we need to use our generator.

That year (summer of '17, I think) was one of our 100 degree summers.

I love 100 degree days, especially as you said if one has central air and a back up plan.
 
army judge said:
Yes, the desert can get hot, especially with all that asphalt and concrete all around you.

We bought one of those portable units for an elderly, disabled, veteran (as in older than my wife and me) and church member two years ago.

I was surprised that it cost a little over $200 (with our military discount), which was a tad over a solid window unit.

We bought one for ourselves if we need to use our generator.

That year (summer of '17, I think) was one of our 100 degree summers.

I love 100 degree days, especially as you said if one has central air and a back up plan.
Click to expand...
Here it get's up into the high teens. I moved from north-central Massachusetts in late June and the temp was in the mid 60's. Got here 3 1/2 days later and it was 117.
 
rascaldascal said:
Do I have any recourse?
Click to expand...

What does your lease say, if anything, about air conditioning units and the ability to open windows?

rascaldascal said:
Is he violating any codes or tenants rights to enjoyment of premises?
Click to expand...

There is no state law that applies to this, and we obviously cannot tell you about any local laws unless you tell us your locality.

Are you on a month-to-month lease? If not, when does your current lease term expire? Also, I assume that the window a/c units belonged to the landlord, not to you. Correct?
 
Were the window units provided by the landlord when you rented the unit?
 
rascaldascal said:
My landlord just installed new windows throughout my apartment unit. I have two issues. First he removed the window air conditioning units because they now longer fit the new frames. They only way the air conditioning units would accommodate the new windows would be to install them in such a way that the windows would no longer be able to open at all. I frequently like opening my windows for fresh air, however I also need air conditioning because it gets extremely hot during the summer since my apartment doesn't have any insulation.

My second issue is that the windows he installed are extremely dark. The rooms get little natural light as it is and now I feel like I live in a cave. Now I have to turn on the lights in the house during the day just to see because I have very little natural light coming in anymore.

I brought this up to my landlord and he basically said tough luck. If I don't like it I can move out. Do I have any recourse? Is he violating any codes or tenants rights to enjoyment of premises?
Click to expand...
You have asked a question that requires looking at habitability issues in California.

Apartments in California must comply with habitability requirements which include having plumbing, heating, electrical, and gas systems that work. An AC unit isn't listed as a requirement of habitability so a landlord does not have to provide one. However, the landlord in your situation provided an operable air conditioning system in the apartment when you moved in so you can expect the landlord to maintain the air conditioning system in good working order. If the system stops working through no fault of your own the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing the air conditioning system. If you caused the damage then you would pay the cost of repair. Your case is slightly complicated because he was replacing windows that no longer accommodate the window units. I doubt a judge would order him to buy new units to fit within the new window frames as long as the apartment receives adequate ventilation. This normally requires only a fan with a window which size usually measuring 20 inches by 24 inches with the window opening at least halfway.
 
good point, but the end is the same. If he provided an amenity after they moved, and they continued to pay rent then its the same as having it when they moved in.

He is without AC and cant do nothing about it
 
P1776 said:
He is without AC and cant do nothing about it
Click to expand...

That wrong. He (or she) can, if he/she chooses, do nothing. Or he/she can do one of many things, including answering the questions that I and others have asked so that we can respond based on complete and accurate information.
 

Share this page

Get a free case review from a lawyer
Back
Top