questions & answers

Question: Currently paying a ridiculous amount of rent (~$1500 after utilities) for a an apartment home whose complex offers a community Pool as one of the amenities in the Lease. Recently, the Corporate office locked down all amenities completely despite the upcoming heat of the summer. It’s been 95+ degrees outside, and they refuse to open the pool even for a LIMITED pool hour for kids and seniors— is this legal? Does it break the lease? Can I withhold about $200 in rent since all amenities have been locked? Thanks in advance -concerned mama

Answer: Interesting question. First if you unilaterally reduce the amount of rent you pay, you likely will be evicted. You do have an argument that rent should be reduced because apartment complex amenities have been reduced, but remember this is because of Covid-19. So landlord could argue that they were following state regulations concerning social distancing. And landlord does not want to be sued because they kept amenities opened at your request, and another tenant got Covid-19. You and landlord will need to reach an agreement on this one. Taking unilateral action will not get you the result you seek. Hope this helps.