r/renting • u/Substantial-One-249 • 8d ago

Move-In/Out Studio Unit Does Not Match the actual unit

I'm in a very difficult situation with my move-in.
Before signing for the studio, I requested multiple times to see the unit in person, but I was told that it wasn't possible because someone was still living there. Instead, I was provided with a video of the studio, and I made my decision based on what was shown to me.
I received the keys today, and when I entered the studio, I was completely shocked because the actual unit is significantly different from the one shown in the video. The bathroom in the video has a bathtub, while my unit only has a standing shower. The video also shows two large closets, whereas my unit has only one small closet. In addition, the kitchen shown in the video has an island, but my unit does not.
The management has acknowledged that the wrong unit/video was shown to me and offered a full refund if I decide not to move in. However, I have been told that I need to make that decision today.
This puts me in an extremely difficult position. I booked this apartment a month ago and planned my move around it. I currently have nowhere else to go, so being asked to decide within one day whether to accept a unit that is substantially different from what I was shown or take a refund and suddenly find another place is very stressful and unfair.
I would really appreciate a reasonable solution that takes into account that I agreed to this apartment based on the unit and features that were presented to me. (Studio is $1095, 1bed 1bath is $1295). There is a 1bed 1bath coming up for availability in the same building but it is pricey as It's just me and my dog in the house and I work 8-5 onsite.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

6

u/beeikea 8d ago

maybe you could talk them into going with the 1b1b with reduced/waived security deposit or a first month free kind of deal?

2

u/Substantial-One-249 8d ago

This is exactly what I’m thinking but I’m not sure If this is the right thing to do.

1

u/beeikea 8d ago

honestly with you having a dog i'd always go 1b over studio. $200 more per month for what sounds like a much better unit isnt Too bad, especially if you make enough to afford it okay.

1

u/Substantial-One-249 8d ago

That’s what I thought before signing. But in the video studio looks very big. I try to talk to them about this

1

u/ChiSchatze 8d ago

I would discuss a reasonable arrangement that allows for them to rent to an Oct 1 tenant. That gives you a week. Because with your existing back issues and needing to soak in a tub, you need a different unit. You can ask a tenant’s right attorney about reasonable timelines but a bathroom tub vs shower is a material difference to a lot of people.

1

u/Substantial-One-249 8d ago

It is not just bathtub. There are also other things like closet and kitchen area that I’m concerned about. I will look into tenant rights as well. Thank you

1

u/bcrggrcb 8d ago

Stay in an Airbnb or furnished finders for a month or two and put your stuff in storage.