My roommate and I recently rented an apartment. We are already having some problems with the lessor.
Upon signing the lease agreement, the leasing consultant was in a big hurry to get us through all the paperwork. She did not verbally go over all the items in the lease agreement. We were very tired from a roadtrip, so we gladly signed the lease agreement just so we could get a good nights rest at our new apartment.
The first problem was the leasing consultant did not tell us we had to transfer the electric bill to our name. This was a problem because they just gave us our bill, and it was very high. Although it was the first bill they received, the consultant never told us anything. She didn't even tell us what company metered electricity for our apartment.
The second problem is the electric company wants over a $200 deposit just to transfer the bill into our name. I told the apartment manager we didn't want to do that, but we would pay the bill which we have. If the property owner does not want to work out an agreement, do I have the right not to transfer the bill into my name? I know they may say we our in breach of contract, so if they terminated our agreement it would be on their part. I'd like to know the best course of action.
The manager also said we're responsible for rent until the end of the 6 month lease agreement. This was another article that the leasing consultant did not go over with us. We do not feel we should pay for the rent until the lease expires.
I feel we were deceived because they did not tell us anything, they simply wanted us to sign the lease agreement. I did read the contract, but shouldn't they be obligated to tell us these things before we sign?
Is there anything we can do to avoid paying the remainder of the lease when we vacate the apartment?