[Teacher1460]

I looked at an apartment in NYC public housing in July 2006. Which wasn't ready for occupancy at the time. I paid first month security and first month rent in August 2006 and the apartment was still not ready. I received a letter in January of 2007 from my housing assistant informing me that the apartment was ready. I picked up the keys in March 2006 and moved in later that month on March 27th. My one bedroom did not have any working electrical outlets and I made request for repairs in the beginning of April 2006. I didn't get all electrical outlets fix and working until June 2006. My question is, as a tenant do I have the right to ask the building management who gave clearance to my apartment being ready with no working outlets, and also can I request documentation as to who performed the inspection prior to me moving in. I was charge over $600.00 dollars for the apartment being ready since January 23, 2006 and the whole month of February of 2006 for pro-rated rent. I received my keys on March 3, 2006 and moved in on March 27th. Should I have to pay the pro-rated rent charge if I had no working electrical outlets in my one bedroom apartment? I am being told my lease will be terminated if I don't pay the pro-rated charge.

[TuckerToo]

In California Public Housing, you should have been given the opportunity to be present at your move-in inspection. Aso, your rent starts the effective date of your lease, which should be the same date thatyou received the keys to the unit. You don't state why you didn't get the keys until March if the unit was ready in January. If the unit was not ready until March and you paid a deposit to hold it, you should not be charged for rent until the date you took possession of the unit. Regarding the electrical receptacles, this would be a Housing Quality Standards violation in a Secton 8 unit, but Public Housing is not subject to HQS. The inspector should have requested a work order to have the receptacles repaired "in a timely manner". Do not hold rent pending repairs as this will only lead to eviction proceedings. If you are not getting a response try contacting the Executive Director or you can always address the Board of Commissioners at their monthly meetings, which are open to the public. It really is true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Good luck!