Landlord not providing internet

[Dalton Just]

My girlfriend and I just moved into this apartment a week ago and we were supposed to have cable/Internet ready for us when we moved in, well, we still don't.  According  to our lease, we are supplied with this package assuming we are in "good standing", which we are...we made all the payments and have no issues.  It also states that they have the right to terminate Internet and all this other vague stuff if we weren't in good standing.  Also, it says our rent will drop $40 a month if not provided.  They claim they compensated us 50 but with no confirmation or receipt.  We constantly try to call them and can never get a hold of anyone.  The last response we got was "they haven't called us back yet (isp)".  Is this legally possible? We are infuriated we haven't had Internet yet. What is our options?  should we just go set it up ourselves and demand the drop in rent? we should have this package and the "compensation" is not enough.  

[Wayne Brooks]

Is t just you, or the neighbors have none either.  If just you, keep calling, and call the cable provider also, even though they may, or may not, tell you anything.  You agreed to the "compensation" in your lease, if they don't provide it.  That horse has left the barn.

[Jon A.]

A local tenant advocacy group?

[Dalton Just]

this complex was just purchased by this company 2 months ago so they are actually just hosting their first tenants now.  other people in the building have Internet but I believe they got it themselves personally...I'm not sure what company they are under since they previously lived here (the building used to be government assistance before it was bought out).  I tried calling the cable provider but they have no information at all as to what's going on

[Lynn McGeein]

Most localities offer some sort of free legal advice to renters if you search under landlord tenant laws online or housing.  Since it's not a habitable issue like no heat or running water, they may not be that interested in helping, but it's worth a shot.  I know if it were my daughter, I would help her write a letter to the management and attach a copy of the clause in the contract that they are violating, state clearly you did not receive internet or any compensation to cover it, and then ask for what you want, either a reduction in rent or internet installed immediately or released from your lease so you can move without penalty, whatever.  Mail it certified so you have proof they received it, but I don't think you are in a very strong position unless you can get the city or free legal help behind you.   If you do have to get internet on your own because they won't install it and don't respond to your letter, keep all your internet receipts as you could likely sue them in small claims court, bringing the lease and your letter as evidence against them.   

[Dalton Just]

well, we don't really want to go to that extent since we've only been here a week but according  to them we did get compensation except without proof...I'm assuming it will be on our next monthly rent.  what I'm wondering is if we should just suffer a bit longer and see if they come through with something (since I've left multiple voice mails and texts) or just go get the Internet and demand reduced rent.

[Paul Ewing]

If it is a new setup I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a couple weeks to get things installed, connected, and the accounts set up especially if the internet is not a wifi type arrangement and is supplied by the cable company.  You are experiencing the great customer service cable companies are known for with the added layer of the property management slowing it down further.

[Account Closed]

@Dalton Just what I'd do is write them a letter /email saying that since you have not received an acceptable response regarding your lack of internet, which you require immediately, and which was supposed to be hooked up when you moved in, you will be hooking up your own and paying your own bill, and are demanding a reduction in rent in the amount specified of $40/month.  And that you want them to agree that you can also deduct an additional $40 from next month's rent, because they did not provide internet for May.  If you don't get their agreement in writing by x date, you will have to sue them in small claims court, because as you understand it, you can't just deduct money from the rent without their agreement.  So, without their agreement, you will be forced to sue in small claims court, to get a judge to order them to reduce the rent.  And that you are not willing to wait any longer for them to hook up the internet, as you need it now.

Sometimes you need to be the squeakiest wheel in their lives.  They got lots of fires to put out, but if you're talking a law suit, you'll get to the top of the pile.

Anyway, that's what I'd do.  I'm really nice - until that isn't working anymore :-)

[Wayne Brooks]

So ask your neighbors already.

[Michael Elliott]

So Dalton, what was the verdict?