christihendrick
New Member
I live on the main level and the basement has been converted into an apartment. The utilities are split 50/50 between me and the people downstairs. I made a phone call to the local zoning people, gave the address, and received a voicemail from my contact there that the owner is operating an illegal duplex according to the zoning laws in my town: "That property never has nor never will be approved as a legal duplex." Additionally, the furnace is in the basement and I have control over the heat, i.e. not each unit has its own indy-functioning heating system. I know that is illegal.
The voicemail I received from the guy in zoning went on to say they would contact the owner advising that he may only rent this property as a single-family dwelling, so it sounds to me as if one of us tenants has to go.
My questions: Will this nullify my lease, and if so, will I have a reasonable amount of time to find a new place, and because I signed a lease that does not expire until August, can I sue for moving expenses? Also, will the landlord have to return my deposit more quickly because of the circumstances? I live in Colorado.
Thanks!
The voicemail I received from the guy in zoning went on to say they would contact the owner advising that he may only rent this property as a single-family dwelling, so it sounds to me as if one of us tenants has to go.
My questions: Will this nullify my lease, and if so, will I have a reasonable amount of time to find a new place, and because I signed a lease that does not expire until August, can I sue for moving expenses? Also, will the landlord have to return my deposit more quickly because of the circumstances? I live in Colorado.
Thanks!