My son’s lease expires next week, he’s been living at home since mid-March. He’s called, left messages, left emails about 3 weeks ago. I’ve even tried emailing. He’s trying to schedule a walk through this week. His lease says if the tenant doesn’t schedule and attend a walk through, they give up rights to contest any damages accessed.
What is he do to? He still has his keys (and email). Should he send another email stating his concerns, the lease (to have as proof that he tried in case something happens).
This is crazy.
Does the college own the apartment? And if so, did he move out because classes were canceled?
Read the lease to see what it says about how notifications are required to be made. If it does not specifically say, then cover your bases. Email (obviously keep a copy) and send a certified, return receipt requested letter that requests the walk through.
College does not own the apartment, he moved out as the university told the students to go home if they could, even if they lived off campus.
Run it up the ladder. Even if that means the VP level. (Or in this case, you making the call.) You may need to call the apt management people. Do you have that contact info?
The college I’m affiliated with closed the actual offices, sent people to work from home. And for some depts, shut down their voice mail.
Your son may have legitimately missed an email to students or some info in one that tells them what to do. Look for that, including the spam folder.
I agree to send the certified letter and keep printouts of emails. Did he move everything out ? Is there anyone local (a friend) who could go in and take pictures of the condition of the apartment?
I think he should keep the keys until they get back in touch, since he doesn’t have any instruction on what to do with them (and that way you keep the option open to have a friend check it out if that’s possible).
This should cover you if/when you get the statement about any damage charges.
My D just remotely vacated her college apartment. Hired movers, but luckily one roommate was local to be in person for the move. Also, her apartment is answering the phone even though they aren’t working in the office. They were giving considerations to students displaced by COVID (lessening the timeline to go month to month and reducing the rate).
Actually, now this is reminding me of my son’s college dorm. They didn’t officially close and kick out students in March (it was more of a “don’t come back after break” situation) so people are gradually moving out now. Express envelopes are provided for key drop off, and the express envelope says that this waives your right to contest any damages (because the RA and student can’t do the walk through). However, due to the current circumstances that are forcing the use of “express” move out, they are allowing appeals for damages so most parents recommend taking pictures of the dorm state before exiting.
Did you co-sign the lease?
I’d be checking on local tenant advocacy group websites, state/local LL-tenant code, and local pandemic executive orders. I think some of the wording suspending evictions also referenced damage deposits (in some places).