londonanne
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- Jul 25, 2008
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I am currently in a very difficult situation regarding temporary apartment renting and hope that someone could help or give me some advice on how to proceed. The situation is as follows:
I arrived in BsAs on 24 Jul having rented an apartment near Plaza Saint Martin for 2.5 months (until 14 Oct). I signed the contract with BYT on the day that I arrived. I was tired and drowsy from a long flight and did not check the place thoroughly. During the first night I noticed that the apartment is incredibly noisy (to the extent that friends on the phone to me thought that I was outside, on the streets). In addition, the apartment is in worse condition and dirtier (stains etc.) than portrayed on the photographs on the agency's website.
I phoned the agency the next day and after a few unsuccessful attempts to induce any action visited their office on the following Monday (28 Jul). On this day I was promised a refund of all but one month's rent (US$550) and so I started looking for a new place. Owing to now a new and further budget constraint I did not find anywhere until about ten days later. At this stage the owner now wants to keep US$953, which translates to me paying this amount for 3 week's stay. This, to me is unfair:
* I complained very early on, one day after arrival.
* I informed the booking agent (on the 4th day after arrival) that I will be looking a place and will move out as soon as possible
* Neither the agency nor the landlord proceeded to try and rent out the apartment despite the above point.
* The apartment is of bad condition, unlike how it is advertised.
* The noise level is very bad and, in my opinion, beyond what anyone should and would be willing to bear. (I am not being ultra sensitive. My complaint is reasonable).
* The agency is taking no responsibility for the situation and the negotiation is between myself and the landlord, whom, of course, would want to recuperate as much money as possible.
I am moving out this Wednesday regardless but wonder whether there are options by which I could try and minimise my loss. Do I have a case? Has anyone had a similar experience? I am a student and losing this amount of money for 3 week’s stay in a virtually sleepless environment seems unfair. Am I wrong?
Thanks in advance for your help
I arrived in BsAs on 24 Jul having rented an apartment near Plaza Saint Martin for 2.5 months (until 14 Oct). I signed the contract with BYT on the day that I arrived. I was tired and drowsy from a long flight and did not check the place thoroughly. During the first night I noticed that the apartment is incredibly noisy (to the extent that friends on the phone to me thought that I was outside, on the streets). In addition, the apartment is in worse condition and dirtier (stains etc.) than portrayed on the photographs on the agency's website.
I phoned the agency the next day and after a few unsuccessful attempts to induce any action visited their office on the following Monday (28 Jul). On this day I was promised a refund of all but one month's rent (US$550) and so I started looking for a new place. Owing to now a new and further budget constraint I did not find anywhere until about ten days later. At this stage the owner now wants to keep US$953, which translates to me paying this amount for 3 week's stay. This, to me is unfair:
* I complained very early on, one day after arrival.
* I informed the booking agent (on the 4th day after arrival) that I will be looking a place and will move out as soon as possible
* Neither the agency nor the landlord proceeded to try and rent out the apartment despite the above point.
* The apartment is of bad condition, unlike how it is advertised.
* The noise level is very bad and, in my opinion, beyond what anyone should and would be willing to bear. (I am not being ultra sensitive. My complaint is reasonable).
* The agency is taking no responsibility for the situation and the negotiation is between myself and the landlord, whom, of course, would want to recuperate as much money as possible.
I am moving out this Wednesday regardless but wonder whether there are options by which I could try and minimise my loss. Do I have a case? Has anyone had a similar experience? I am a student and losing this amount of money for 3 week’s stay in a virtually sleepless environment seems unfair. Am I wrong?
Thanks in advance for your help
