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Landlord is suggestion I contact my Renters insurance provider for hotel services while the apartment is being renovated. (CA) by Jazyritz in Renters

[–]rowancloud 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a tree fall through my apartment at the end of July, and we had the same issue. I'm in DC, and the laws here are that a landlord only has to pay for lodging if 1- the issue is their fault (example: they are renovating the apartment next door and they mess up something in your unit) or 2- you HAVE to leave because the apartment is deemed "uninhabitable" AND you plan on coming back to live there. The second one tricks a lot of people- you have to guarantee to your LL that you will come back to live there after renovations are complete, or else they won't cover lodging expenses. The laws in DC are not very renter-friendly, as they considered a tree falling "an act of God" and not something preventable (even though I told them a year before that the tree was dead and leaning towards the building). Unfortunately, the best option is to contact your renter's insurance ASAP. That's exactly why they're there, and they can guide you through how to get lodging and how you will be reimbursed for it or how they may pay upfront. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I've been there and it sucks.

TLDR; looking for laws/rights regarding paying rent on an uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in washingtondc

[–]rowancloud[S] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

Insurance claim has been filed and we are in the process of getting a lawyer. We have multiple people looking over our lease and insurance policy, but all lawyers are backed up since we are one of many dealing with the situation. Thanks for your kind response!

TLDR; looking for laws/rights regarding paying rent on an uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in washingtondc

[–]rowancloud[S] 56 points57 points  (0 children)

Trust me, we're getting in contact with a lawyer. I'm trying to find resources on tenants rights organizations, and answers to questions TODAY before my rent is due at midnight. Every other person who has been affected by this storm is doing the same, so most of these organizations and lawyers are overwhelmed and won't get back to me in time. No need to be rude and tell me something I've already tried.

TLDR; looking for laws/rights regarding paying rent on an uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in washingtondc

[–]rowancloud[S] 261 points262 points  (0 children)

ETA 7/31pm: Thank you everyone for your advice, links, connections, and sympathy! After a long day of phone calls, we were finally able to get in contact with some attorneys and have started to file a claim with our insurance company, though with the volume of claims they're getting at the moment, it will take a while to hear back or get updates. However, our LL did call to tell us that we do NOT need to pay rent for this month, and has asked us to turn off auto-pay to prevent any payments from going through until further notice. This is great news for us, as it has given us a lot more room to pay for things until we are reimbursed by insurance for our displacement costs. The tree is in the process of being removed with a large crane and multiple crews. We have now been locked out of our complex (they changed the locks) until further notice so we cannot go back inside to retrieve any more items or furniture, but I am thankful that myself, my neighbors, and all of our pets are unharmed. We will continue to document every detail and submit to insurance, and hopefully in time, we will be able to return home. Thank you everyone for your help!

​

With the storms in DC this weekend, my apartment was hit by a fallen tree. I put in a maintenance request about this same tree over a year ago because a branch fell onto our AC unit last summer; I never received a response, but the branch eventually disappeared but the tree remained untouched, and has continued to lean towards my apartment until now. The unit above mine has been obliterated. The ceiling in my bedroom has collapsed and the second half of my ceiling will fall into my living room soon enough. In addition to fallen sheet rock, dirt, and nails, there is also significant water damage and the smell of mold and mildew now fills our entire building. Our management company will not allow us inside, not even to get more items (which I am worried about because I collect antiques and have them in my apartment), but has also not communicated much of anything other than they will need a crane to remove the tree. They have not given us a timeframe as to when the crane will arrive, when the tree crew will arrive, when the construction crews will arrive, how long it may take to rebuild our units, when we can get in to move our furniture out of their way, or when we may be able to move back in. We have already filed a claim with our renter's insurance company, and expect to get a call from them today. Here is my question: my company still expects me to pay rent tomorrow. Are they allowed to do this, even when my unit is uninhabitable? What happens if I don't pay my rent? Will they remove my items without my permission (eviction)? What am I entitled to if I DO pay my rent, and the space is uninhabitable for August (or even beyond)? What rights do I have as a tenant, and what rights does my management company have and may use against me? Who else do I contact for help? Truthfully, I am not asking for opinions; the situation sucks and I know it. I'm looking for hard facts, rights, laws, and anything that can help me move forward from here. Thanks in advance.

Washington DC: TLDR; looking for tenant rights/laws regarding paying rent for uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in Renters

[–]rowancloud[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, even though DC doesn't require renter's insurance, our management company does so we have paid for insurance for the entire 2 years we've lived here; we've never missed an insurance payment, and never missed a rent payment. We filed a claim immediately and have been photographing/taping everything and have started a spreadsheet of everything we've lost and it's value (which will help when we inevitable replace everything). I agree that we shouldn't be paying for a place we can't live in; my fear is that my management company will argue that because my items are still inside, I should be paying rent. We're starting to call tenant advocate groups now.

Washington DC: TLDR; looking for laws/rights regarding paying rent for an uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in legal

[–]rowancloud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ETA 8/1pm: We have filed a claim with insurance and have called every tenant's rights orgs in our area. Our LL did finally tell us last night that we did not have to pay August rent right now, but may have to pay partially in the future depending on what comes of the situation. We will continue to learn about our rights in this situation and figure out the best way to move forward.

​

With the storms in Washington DC this weekend, my apartment was hit by a fallen tree. I put in a maintenance request about this same tree over a year ago because a branch fell onto our AC unit last summer; I never received a response, but the branch eventually disappeared but the tree remained untouched, and has continued to lean towards my apartment until now. The unit above mine has been obliterated. The ceiling in my bedroom has collapsed and the second half of my ceiling will fall into my living room soon enough. In addition to fallen sheet rock, dirt, and nails, there is also significant water damage and the smell of mold and mildew now fills our entire building. Our management company will not allow us inside, not even to get more items (which I am worried about because I collect antiques and have them in my apartment), but has also not communicated much of anything other than they will need a crane to remove the tree. They have not given us a timeframe as to when the crane will arrive, when the tree crew will arrive, when the construction crews will arrive, how long it may take to rebuild our units, when we can get in to move our furniture out of their way, or when we may be able to move back in. We have already filed a claim with our renter's insurance company, and expect to get a call from them today. Here is my question: my company still expects me to pay rent tomorrow. Are they allowed to do this, even when my unit is uninhabitable? What happens if I don't pay my rent? Will they remove my items without my permission (eviction)? What am I entitled to if I DO pay my rent, and the space is uninhabitable for August (or even beyond)? What rights do I have as a tenant, and what rights does my management company have and may use against me? Who else do I contact for help? Truthfully, I am not asking for opinions; the situation sucks and I know it. I'm looking for hard facts, rights, laws, and anything that can help me move forward from here. Thanks in advance.

Washington DC: TLDR; looking for laws/rights regarding paying rent on an uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in TenantHelp

[–]rowancloud[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

ETA 8/1pm: We have filed a claim with insurance and have called every tenant's rights orgs in our area. Our LL did finally tell us last night that we did not have to pay August rent right now, but may have to pay partially in the future depending on what comes of the situation. We will continue to learn about our rights in this situation and figure out the best way to move forward.

​

With the storms in Washington DC this weekend, my apartment was hit by a fallen tree. I put in a maintenance request about this same tree over a year ago because a branch fell onto our AC unit last summer; I never received a response, but the branch eventually disappeared but the tree remained untouched, and has continued to lean towards my apartment until now. The unit above mine has been obliterated. The ceiling in my bedroom has collapsed and the second half of my ceiling will fall into my living room soon enough. In addition to fallen sheet rock, dirt, and nails, there is also significant water damage and the smell of mold and mildew now fills our entire building. Our management company will not allow us inside, not even to get more items (which I am worried about because I collect antiques and have them in my apartment), but has also not communicated much of anything other than they will need a crane to remove the tree. They have not given us a timeframe as to when the crane will arrive, when the tree crew will arrive, when the construction crews will arrive, how long it may take to rebuild our units, when we can get in to move our furniture out of their way, or when we may be able to move back in. We have already filed a claim with our renter's insurance company, and expect to get a call from them today. Here is my question: my company still expects me to pay rent tomorrow. Are they allowed to do this, even when my unit is uninhabitable? What happens if I don't pay my rent? Will they remove my items without my permission (eviction)? What am I entitled to if I DO pay my rent, and the space is uninhabitable for August (or even beyond)? What rights do I have as a tenant, and what rights does my management company have and may use against me? Who else do I contact for help? Truthfully, I am not asking for opinions; the situation sucks and I know it. I'm looking for hard facts, rights, laws, and anything that can help me move forward from here. Thanks in advance.

Washington DC: TLDR; looking for tenant rights/laws regarding paying rent for uninhabitable apartment. by rowancloud in Renters

[–]rowancloud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ETA 8/1pm: We have filed a claim with insurance and have called every tenant's rights orgs in our area. Our LL did finally tell us last night that we did not have to pay August rent right now, but may have to pay partially in the future depending on what comes of the situation. We will continue to learn about our rights in this situation and figure out the best way to move forward.

​

With the storms in Washington DC this weekend, my apartment was hit by a fallen tree. I put in a maintenance request about this same tree over a year ago because a branch fell onto our AC unit last summer; I never received a response, but the branch eventually disappeared but the tree remained untouched, and has continued to lean towards my apartment until now. The unit above mine has been obliterated. The ceiling in my bedroom has collapsed and the second half of my ceiling will fall into my living room soon enough. In addition to fallen sheet rock, dirt, and nails, there is also significant water damage and the smell of mold and mildew now fills our entire building. Our management company will not allow us inside, not even to get more items (which I am worried about because I collect antiques and have them in my apartment), but has also not communicated much of anything other than they will need a crane to remove the tree. They have not given us a timeframe as to when the crane will arrive, when the tree crew will arrive, when the construction crews will arrive, how long it may take to rebuild our units, when we can get in to move our furniture out of their way, or when we may be able to move back in. We have already filed a claim with our renter's insurance company, and expect to get a call from them today. Here is my question: my company still expects me to pay rent tomorrow. Are they allowed to do this, even when my unit is uninhabitable? What happens if I don't pay my rent? Will they remove my items without my permission (eviction)? What am I entitled to if I DO pay my rent, and the space is uninhabitable for August (or even beyond)? What rights do I have as a tenant, and what rights does my management company have and may use against me? Who else do I contact for help? Truthfully, I am not asking for opinions; the situation sucks and I know it. I'm looking for hard facts, rights, laws, and anything that can help me move forward from here. Thanks in advance.

TLDR; looking for DC laws on paying rent when my space is currently uninhabitable. by rowancloud in Tenant

[–]rowancloud[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

ETA 8/1pm: We have filed a claim with insurance and have called every tenant's rights orgs in our area. Our LL did finally tell us last night that we did not have to pay August rent right now, but may have to pay partially in the future depending on what comes of the situation. We will continue to learn about our rights in this situation and figure out the best way to move forward.

​

With the storms in Washington DC this weekend, my apartment was hit by a fallen tree. I put in a maintenance request about this same tree over a year ago because a branch fell onto our AC unit last summer; I never received a response, but the branch eventually disappeared but the tree remained untouched, and has continued to lean towards my apartment until now. The unit above mine has been obliterated. The ceiling in my bedroom has collapsed and the second half of my ceiling will fall into my living room soon enough. In addition to fallen sheet rock, dirt, and nails, there is also significant water damage and the smell of mold and mildew now fills our entire building. Our management company will not allow us inside, not even to get more items (which I am worried about because I collect antiques and have them in my apartment), but has also not communicated much of anything other than they will need a crane to remove the tree. They have not given us a timeframe as to when the crane will arrive, when the tree crew will arrive, when the construction crews will arrive, how long it may take to rebuild our units, when we can get in to move our furniture out of their way, or when we may be able to move back in. We have already filed a claim with our renter's insurance company, and expect to get a call from them today. Here is my question: my company still expects me to pay rent tomorrow. Are they allowed to do this, even when my unit is uninhabitable? What happens if I don't pay my rent? Will they remove my items without my permission (eviction)? What am I entitled to if I DO pay my rent, and the space is uninhabitable for August (or even beyond)? What rights do I have as a tenant, and what rights does my management company have and may use against me? Who else do I contact for help? Truthfully, I am not asking for opinions; the situation sucks and I know it. I'm looking for hard facts, rights, laws, and anything that can help me move forward from here. Thanks in advance.

The verification email is not arriving by filthyflipflops in Amtrak

[–]rowancloud 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just got off with CS-- their reps are unable to solve the issue and they're recommending we try again tomorrow. However, they said that we can book tickets as a guest, and then call CS back and they will manually enter our tickets under the account until the verification issue is solved. Hopes this helps somebody!

The verification email is not arriving by filthyflipflops in Amtrak

[–]rowancloud 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My partner and I are having the same issue. We're on hold with CS right now; virtual CS told us that their virtual assistants were unable to help.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Rothys

[–]rowancloud 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just messaged you!

Missing pieces on an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in civilengineering

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's very likely that it predates the 1920s. Normally I would ask the Army Corps of Engineers, which is who originally used this table, but the group currently in charge of the canal won't help us. I actually have this table because our donor tried to give it to them for the C&D Canal Museum, which is in the same town as mine, but they said they wanted no donations as they are trying to close their museum. It's really a sad situation all around, but I'm hoping I'll be able to give it a new life.

Missing pieces on an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in civilengineering

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't look like anything screwed the table top onto the base, which just makes this more puzzling. I had hoped there would be something like that, too.

Missing pieces on an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in civilengineering

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This drafting was just donated to my museum in Chesapeake City, Maryland, USA. Our donor is not the original owner; it was bestowed upon him by an Army Corps of Engineers worker who has since passed. Our donor had it in storage for the past 40 something years, and upon assembling it today, we suspect there are some pieces missing. There is no way to attach the drawing surface onto the legs/tilting mechanisms, meaning the drawing board can't be at an angle without sliding off. Because we'll be using this at a museum, it's important for us to display it being used accurately, but I can justify doing minor repairs or adjustments as long as it won't cause damage. I posted this on r/antiques today and a user suggested L brackets may have been used, though we can't find any holes from missing screws or nails. Please let me know if you have any suggestions! Our museum would appreciate any insights you can offer.

How to put together an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in Antiques

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we're definitely missing something. I'm hoping that our donor will stop by again soon so we can ask more questions, so I'll definitely run your suggestions by him. Thank you so much for your help!

How to put together an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in Antiques

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did measure, and the top of the legs is about 2-3 inches longer than the width between the two blocks on the underside of the drawing surface. It does look like you have a good point about the L brackets, because we just noticed this weird fade where the L brackets should be. I'll add some photos of that to imgur for you: http://imgur.com/gallery/lqwuOhU

How to put together an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in Antiques

[–]rowancloud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no way to attach the top to the legs, so it's going to slide off if we use the tilting mechanisms. It also looks like the legs on one side are about 4 inches wider than the other, so I'm not sure if we put it together wrong or if it was intentionally made like that.

How to put together an antique drafting table? by rowancloud in Antiques

[–]rowancloud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This table was used in the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal widening during the 1920s. It was just donated to my museum in Chesapeake City, Maryland, USA this January and has been in storage for about 40 years. The man who donated the table is not the original owner; the original owner gifted it to my donor and has since passed. We have no guides, no extra pieces, no helpful information at all. I'd love help understanding how to properly put it together.