Poll of the Day > Apartment is forcing smart tech on us and being super sketchy about it

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://i.imgur.com/vgmf1vR.jpg

I feel fucking helpless. It's a Friday, and I have to sign away my rights by tomorrow, on something we were only given notice of days ago and never had a chance to appeal or question.

They plan to install ADT Smart Home keyless entry on our doors and smart thermostats that can be monitored and tweaked by the landlord or ADT.
We have to sign a lease addendum before then with a disturbing amount of broad sweeping language.
It also puts the liability on my renter's insurance that I pay for, not the apartment's insurance or ADT, if for example...someone hacks the door code (or just lucky guesses) and steals from my property.

My only options are to sign the addendum by tomorrow, or refuse to do so. The latter means that when my current lease ends, it will not be renewed, and I will have to pay to have the ADT system installed... how the flying fuck is that legal? I signed a lease, now they're changing the terms of it and if I don't agree I'm financially responsible for the change?! Their only response was that they basically have the right to alter the terms of the lease at any time and in any way they want, which again...is that really legal?

The addendum also waives my right to claim any malfunction, tampering, etc... of the devices constitutes a "constructive eviction" (where the landlord doesn't evict you, but makes conditions so unlivable that it basically forces you out....like say...setting your thermostat remotely to 95 degrees F).

Even given the insanely short notice, which I believe was done quite intentionally, I contacted the leasing office on Monday after getting the email about it on the weekend. They couldn't help, and said someone from higher up / corporate would call me back. No one ever did. Today in person I wouldn't sign it and asked to speak to corporate, but again they "couldn't get anyone on the phone". Endless stonewalling.

This is sickening, and I don't know what I can even do... Pulling this shit in the middle of the pandemic is especially fucked up (I said 2 options, but one of the leasing agents curtly gave me the third option of, "in the end, it's our building; if you don't like it you can give a 30 day notice to move out"...yeah, that's feasible right now).
The cost of legal representation would surely be more than the cost of paying to install this when my lease is up, with no guarantee it'd even accomplish anything, so they're counting on us to just give up and sign.

Sounds to me like this is something that could be done as a class action against the property owner. That way you yourself wouldnt have to get counsel.

Maybe look up an attorney and just see what you can find out over the phone without having to set up a consultation. If he suggests other renters get in on it then you may be able to go big with it.

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Solid Sonic posted...

Sounds to me like this is something that could be done as a class action against the property owner. That way you yourself wouldnt have to get counsel.

Maybe look up an attorney and just see what you can find out over the phone without having to set up a consultation. If he suggests other renters get in on it then you may be able to go big with it.

I don't even have time to do any of that before have to choose to sign or not.
They didn't tell us we'd be signing a lease addendum, just that we had to come to the office to get our temporary code.
Just sprang it on us right before the weekend, after giving notice the smart tech was coming less than a week before that. I can't find a lawyer now, not before I have to make a decision...and if I don't sign I have to pay for the installation after my lease and will be forced out of the lease w/o an option to renew.
They did this intentionally, we're fucking trapped.

Yeah, they did that so you cant get legal representation in the interval. Its a deliberate ploy to bait you into thinking youre in a no-win scenario.

I wish I could give you some specific advice but Im not a lawyer. I want to say you do have recourse but youre going to have to talk to an attorney to really squash it out...

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streamofthesky posted...

The latter means that when my current lease ends, it will not be renewed, and I will have to pay to have the ADT system installed... how the flying f*** is that legal?

It's not, I'd sue.

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Is there some legal avenue/mechanism/term where I like...sign the form, but include a statement on the side that I will be taking it for legal review and reserve the right to rescind my signature within...say...30 days? Fuck if I know, this is all new to me.
But they want me to sign that document without giving any time to review it. Literally had people coming in and being presented the form and asked to sign it on the spot, like it's nothing.

streamofthesky posted...

Is there some legal avenue/mechanism/term where I like...sign the form, but include a statement on the side that I will be taking it for legal review and reserve the right to rescind my signature within...say...30 days? Fuck if I know, this is all new to me.
But they want me to sign that document without giving any time to review it. Literally had people coming in and being presented the form and asked to sign it on the spot, like it's nothing.

no, that's passive aggressive - go staight to lawyer

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Well word is they are extending the eviction morotority until March 2021 (for now), but I have not heard of it actually being passed......so not sure what would happen if they gave you a 30 day notice at the start of the next month.

You don't need to sign those papers though, but if your on a month to month, they have the right to terminate your tennancy at any point (normally) after giving you a 30 day notice.

IF you have a lease, they can't actually force you to do new things that were not in the lease before, unless it's directly covered in the lease giving them the power to do that (and that could be arguable in court).

But honestly they are freaking morons because if they do halt evictions, this could easily cause alot of current tenants to just say screw you and stop paying rent all together until evictions are allowed again, at which point you just move out and don't get evicted at that point (or have anything on your record etc).


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The installation and upkeep of smart tech is on the lessor. It's also the lessor's problem if their smart tech gets hacked (all tech coded by humans can be hacked by another human).

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streamofthesky posted...

They plan to install ADT Smart Home keyless entry on our doors

First thing I thought of was a Sword Art Online arc. That might work for a hotel, but why would one ever want that for a more private residence?

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wolfy42 posted...

You don't need to sign those papers though, but if your on a month to month, they have the right to terminate your tennancy at any point (normally) after giving you a 30 day notice.

I'm on a lease. They say I do need to sign the papers or else I have to pay for the installation when my lease ends and I'm forced out (it's free now b/c they're doing the entire complex in one sweep, basically)

IF you have a lease, they can't actually force you to do new things that were not in the lease before, unless it's directly covered in the lease giving them the power to do that (and that could be arguable in court).

They claim the lease allows them to change the terms at any time. Which is probably in there, I just haven't had the time or will to read through it all again to verify. I'm not sure if such sweeping language would hold up legally in court, but I'm also pretty sure they'd have a better lawyer than I would.

SunWuKung420 posted...

The installation and upkeep of smart tech is on the lessor. It's also the lessor's problem if their smart tech gets hacked (all tech coded by humans can be hacked by another human).

Logically, you'd think that and I repeatedly asserted so. They said the opposite. if I don't sign now, I have to pay for it later. And if it is hacked and i suffer losses due to it, those losses are covered under MY renter's insurance that I pay for. I said it should be the burden of their or ADT's insurance, but...no.

Move out.


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streamofthesky posted...

They claim the lease allows them to change the terms at any time. Which is probably in there, I just haven't had the time or will to read through it all again to verify. I'm not sure if such sweeping language would hold up legally in court, but I'm also pretty sure they'd have a better lawyer than I would.

There are usually free tenant advocacy agencies (Depends on the state I'm sure) but I'm not sure how things are affected right now. They can NOT change the terms of the lease mid lease, even if they put it in the lease, or else the lease would not mean anything at all, for you.

Again this may vary by state but I would find it amazing if a state allowed landlords to change the terms of a lease in the middle of a contract.

Also they CAN NOT just randomly charge you for things that were not in the lease you original signed, including charging you for changes or having things installed, they can try and bully you, but that is it. They can't affect your credit rating etc, or say you owe them money, and I HOPE they try and withhold your security deposit so you can sue them and get multiple times it back instead.

It's been awhile since I worked in landlord tenant law (like 15 years now), and like I said it varies from state to state, but you should at least be able to talk to a lawyer over the phone (if you can't find an advocacy agency in your area) for free, and get their advice and if you should sue. Many will also represent you just for the chance to get attorneys fees (if you have a very strong case), which won't cost you anything in the long run either.


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Get together with other tenants and refuse to sign en masse, for starters. Then contact an attorney near you to discuss injunctive relief. This sort of thing is something that you should be able to find an attorney who will work on contingency for.

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Talking to a lawyer right away sounds like the best thing you can do. Even if there isn't time to go complete an elaborate legal process they can tell you what you should do in the short term, which could be crucial if legal action is the path you want to take long term.

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SunWuKung420 posted...

The installation and upkeep of smart tech is on the lessor. It's also the lessor's problem if their smart tech gets hacked (all tech coded by humans can be hacked by another human).

But dont you have some right to legal counsel if youre being expected to sign a binding document? If theyre trying to get around that by making a mandate during a non-business day, thats duplicitous and subversive.

Tim Langdell did that shit when he was trademark trolling over the Edge name in the game industry. Hed demand answers on Monday about challenges to his trademark when hed issue the ultimatum on a Friday, which boxed in the parties hed try to bully.

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Solid Sonic posted...

But dont you have some right to legal counsel if youre being expected to sign a binding document? If theyre trying to get around that by making a mandate during a non-business day, thats duplicitous and subversive.

Yes, the time frame given is unbelievable and most residential leaser's don't use a lawyer to sign a lease agreement. Also that addendum is shit. Having smart tech is a lessor's choice and will be sold as an amenity. Forcing current occupants into this agreement should be wrong but it won't be unless the residents refuse to sign en masse.

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Sounds like a shorty situation. I probably wouldnt want to sign, and just move. But moving on short notice is very hard. And not cheap. Is there anywhere you could stay while searching for a new place? I would suggest a hotel or motel, but those can get expensive...

Also, really shitty that you have to pay for it. I dont think I would... Even when you leave. Depending on how much it is, they might not come after you with a suit or anything. It just depends...

If you are ok with Reddit, they do have a legal advice section. Some lawyers hang out there. They could help. You just explain this stuff and tell them what state. They have good advice sometimes...
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Lawyer up, that shit is illegal (and definitely unethical).
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Nichtcrawler X posted...

First thing I thought of was a Sword Art Online arc. That might work for a hotel, but why would one ever want that for a more private residence?

You wouldnt...

streamofthesky posted...

I'm on a lease. They say I do need to sign the papers or else I have to pay for the installation when my lease ends and I'm forced out (it's free now b/c they're doing the entire complex in one sweep, basically)

I dont understand how they would force you to pay for it. Its an upgrade they are doing... Thats not in you, nor should it be. I wouldnt do sign it before consulting a lawyer. And I wouldnt pay when leaving. They can use the security deposit for that...

SunWuKung420 posted...

Move out.

Wholeheartedly agree!
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streamofthesky posted...

My only options are to sign the addendum by tomorrow, or refuse to do so. The latter means that when my current lease ends, it will not be renewed, and I will have to pay to have the ADT system installed... how the flying fuck is that legal? I signed a lease, now they're changing the terms of it and if I don't agree I'm financially responsible for the change?! Their only response was that they basically have the right to alter the terms of the lease at any time and in any way they want, which again...is that really legal?

It's probably not, but getting a lawyer to fight it will probably cost you more. Alternatively, you can refuse to pay to have the ADT installed and see what they try to do. If they know that they legally can't do that, they might back down.

Actually, your first step should be checking your copy of the lease to see if there are any provisions for this kind of an amendment.

streamofthesky posted...

Is there some legal avenue/mechanism/term where I like...sign the form, but include a statement on the side that I will be taking it for legal review and reserve the right to rescind my signature within...say...30 days? Fuck if I know, this is all new to me.
But they want me to sign that document without giving any time to review it. Literally had people coming in and being presented the form and asked to sign it on the spot, like it's nothing.

No, you'd have to refuse to sign. Or you'd have to have them amend the agreement to include that and sign the revision, but good luck there.

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This is fucking insane.

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As I stated previously, get other tenants to join you in refusing to sign then consult an attorney ASAP. This seems blatantly illegal to the point that there's surely some attorney near you willing to work on contingency because this should be a slam dunk payday.

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Long post but its not legal. They owe you at least 30 days to decide if you want to move or accept. They cant change a lease youve signed unless its monthly. Even with that you have a window to opt out.

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Cross out everything you disagree with then sign it.
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FrndNhbrHdCEman posted...

Long post but its not legal. They owe you at least 30 days to decide if you want to move or accept. They cant change a lease youve signed unless its monthly. Even with that you have a window to opt out.

Your and my definition of a long post varies GREATLY.

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I was already worn out before all of this, just ended up going to sleep last night...

wolfy42 posted...

There are usually free tenant advocacy agencies (Depends on the state I'm sure) but I'm not sure how things are affected right now. They can NOT change the terms of the lease mid lease, even if they put it in the lease, or else the lease would not mean anything at all, for you.

Again this may vary by state but I would find it amazing if a state allowed landlords to change the terms of a lease in the middle of a contract.

Also they CAN NOT just randomly charge you for things that were not in the lease you original signed, including charging you for changes or having things installed, they can try and bully you, but that is it. They can't affect your credit rating etc, or say you owe them money, and I HOPE they try and withhold your security deposit so you can sue them and get multiple times it back instead.

It's been awhile since I worked in landlord tenant law (like 15 years now), and like I said it varies from state to state, but you should at least be able to talk to a lawyer over the phone (if you can't find an advocacy agency in your area) for free, and get their advice and if you should sue. Many will also represent you just for the chance to get attorneys fees (if you have a very strong case), which won't cost you anything in the long run either.

I like your experience w/ tenant law, it sounds lovely.
This is the 3rd place I've rented. 2nd were awesome and if I hadn't had to move to a new state to this 3rd one, I would've stayed there. The first place I ever rented...?
Dude was basically a slum lord. Wouldn't give back my security deposit or even answer my calls. I eventually went to a lawyer and she made a 5 min. call to him. He agreed to fork it over, only after that. Made me sign a form that I wouldn't seek anything else beyond the security deposit. After all of that, the lawyer gave me a bill for $400. I had thought since she barely did anything, it would be free or not much (and she never mentioned before then). So just to get my deposit back, I ended up losing almost half of it to the lawyer.

Rasmoh posted...

Get together with other tenants and refuse to sign en masse, for starters. Then contact an attorney near you to discuss injunctive relief. This sort of thing is something that you should be able to find an attorney who will work on contingency for.

I don't really talk to the other tenants, and the apartment's pushed hard for people to come in and sign, so it's probably too late if signing the form nulls legal action (and if it doesn't...I should probably just sign too?).

SunWuKung420 posted...

Move out.

Wasn't exactly prepared to do that or planning to. Obviously I'm gonna have to now, but I'd still rather not on short notice...
To answer another question from someone else... my wife and I are alone out here. Have some friends from work, but all my family and long time friends are back home...moved out here for the job. Getting a hotel or something is really not feasible, at all.

LinkPizza posted...

I dont understand how they would force you to pay for it. Its an upgrade they are doing... Thats not in you, nor should it be. I wouldnt do sign it before consulting a lawyer. And I wouldnt pay when leaving. They can use the security deposit for that...

I'm sure that's how they'll make me pay for it, yes. I've already been anxious about moving out from here some day. Been here so long that they say they'll be required to replace the carpet anyway and I won't need to have a professional cleaning done like is usually required (or taken out of your deposit if not done). But I've asked for that in writing multiple times and never gotten it. It's felt for a while now like they're gonna raid the security deposit when I leave....

Ok, reading through the lease, trying to find some relevant sections...

LOCKS AND LATCHES. Keyed lock(s) will be rekeyed after the prior resident moves out. The rekeying will be done before you move into your apartment. You may at any time ask us to change or rekey locks or latches during the Lease Term. We must comply with those requests, but you must pay for them, unless otherwise provided by law.
Payment for Rekeying, Repairs, Etc. You must pay for all repairs or replacements arising from misuse or damage to devices by you or your occupants, or guests during your occupancy. You may be required to pay in advance if we notify you within a reasonable time after your request that you are more than 30 days delinquent in reimbursing us for repairing or replacing a device which was misused or damaged by you, your guest or an occupant; or if you have requested that we repair or change or rekey the same device during the 30 days preceding your request and we have complied with your request. Otherwise, you must pay immediately after the work is completed.

Reasonable. But in this case, THEY'RE the ones asking to change the locks...

RENT INCREASES AND LEASE CONTRACT CHANGES. No rent increases or Lease Contract changes are allowed before the initial Lease Contract term ends, except for changes allowed by any special provisions in paragraph 10 (Special Provisions), by a written addendum or amendment signed by you and us, or by reasonable changes of apartment rules allowed under paragraph 19 (Community Policies or Rules).
If, at least 5 days before the advance notice deadline referred to in paragraph 3 (Lease Term), we give you written notice of rent increases or lease changes effective when the lease term or renewal period ends, this Lease Contract will automatically continue month-to-month with the increased rent or lease changes. The new modified Lease Contract will begin on the date stated in the notice (without necessity of your signature) unless you give us written move-out notice under paragraph 44 (Move-Out Notice). Please see paragraph 3 (Lease Term) pertaining to the Lease Term.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS. The following special provisions and any addenda or written rules furnished to you at or before signing will become a part of this Lease Contract and will supersede any conflicting provisions of this printed lease form.
See special provisions on the last page
LEASE TERM. Renewal. This Lease Contract will automatically renew month-to- month unless either party gives at least [60] days written notice of termination or intent to move-out as required by paragraph 44 (Move-Out Notice). If the number of days isnt filled in, at least 30 days notice is required. This paragraph must be initialed by you because it contains an automatic monthto- month renewal provision. Please see paragraph 15 (Rent Increases and Lease Contract Changes) pertaining to Rent Increases and Lease Contract Changes which can go into effect for month-to-month renewals at the end of the lease term or renewal periods.

Not sure this stuff is really applicable, but fucking hell is it annoying how you can't read one paragraph w/o jumping around all over the document for further context.

COMMUNITY POLICIES OR RULES. You and all guests and occupants must comply with any written apartment rules and community policies, including instructions for care of our property. Our rules are considered part of this Lease Contract. We may make reasonable changes to written rules, effective immediately, if they are distributed and applicable to all units in the apartment community and do not change dollar amounts on page 1 of this Lease Contract.

Probably their main avenue? Is that legal?

MOVE-OUT NOTICE. Before moving out, either at the end of the lease term, any extension of the lease term, or prior to the end of the lease term, you must give our representative advance written notice of your intention to vacate as required by paragraph 3 (Lease Term). If you move out prior to the end of the lease term, your notice does not act as a release of liability for the full term of the Lease Contract. You will still be liable for the entire Lease Contract term if you move out early under paragraph 23 (Release of Resident) except if you are able to terminate your tenancy under the statutory rights explained under paragraphs 11 (Early Move-Out), 23 (Release of Resident), or any other applicable law. All notices to vacate must be in writing and must provide the date by which you intend to vacate. If the notice does not comply with the time requirements of paragraph 3 (Lease Term), even if you move by the last date in the lease term, you will be responsible for an additional months rent. If you fail to vacate by the date set forth in your notice, you will automatically and immediately become a holdover tenant pursuant to state law, and we will have all remedies available under this Lease Contract and state law.

Not going to bother posting those other new sections, they really don't seem to apply here, and trying to give context for every reference in these sections is starting to feel like Whack A Mole.

MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES. The move-out date cant be changed unless we and you both agree in writing. You wont move out before the lease term or renewal period ends unless all rent for the entire lease term or renewal period is paid in full. Youre prohibited by law from applying any security deposit to rent. You wont stay beyond the date you are supposed to move out. All residents, guests, and occupants must vacate the apartment before the 45-day period for deposit refund begins. You must give us and the U.S. Postal Service, in writing, each residents forwarding address.

On the signature page, there's also this line at the end, under the signatures:

Additional provisions or changes may be made in the Lease Contract if agreed to in writing by all parties.

Anyway, I think those are all the relevant sections from the lease contract.

Also, here's some friendly emails the apartment has sent to us the last few days:

July 30th, 2020

Dear Resident(s),

This email is to remind all residents to call the office and request a day between Today and Tomorrow July 31st to come to the office and receive your four digit pin for your new upcoming smart home device. Please be advised, if you have not received a code before your installation date you could risk being locked outside of your apartment home. If you are out of town, please call the office to discuss alternative routes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Leasing Office at [phone number]

And today...

August 1st , 2020

Dear Resident(s),

This will unfortunately serve as a final reminder to come into the office today to receive your temporary four digit pin for your new upcoming smart home device. Please be advised, if you have not received a code before your installation date you could risk being locked outside of your apartment home. If you are out of town, please call the office to discuss alternative routes.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Leasing Office at [phone number]

I need more time, this is so fucking vile... I think I'm gonna have to sign just to avoid problems for now. I can try crossing things out, but I doubt they'll accept that. They have all the power right now.

EDIT: This was the first email / notice in general about the change. Literally 7 days ago, sent out on weekend, with no warning at all we'd have to sign an addendum or what it would contain:

July 25th, 2020

Dear Resident:

Our goal is to provide the most comfortable and carefree environment possible for you, our resident. In keeping with our goal, we will be installing a Smart Home System in your apartment home.

We have contracted with ADT for this service which will include keyless entry and progressive thermostats. They will also be available 24/7 for assistance.

We have made arrangements with ADT to have your system installed and operational between August 3rd and August 12th. Please contact the office to schedule a time to receive your temporary code for your Smart Home Lock between today July 25th and Sunday August 2nd. You will need this code prior to installation so you may enter your apartment home. A permanent code will be issued to all leaseholders within 7 to 10 business days after installation. The permanent code will come directly from ADT in a Welcome email, and be 6-digits long.

We will notify you 24 to 48 hours in advance of their arrival to your apartment home for installation.

We are very excited to offer this state-of-the-art amenity to you and know you will appreciate having it. Thank you for your cooperation.

Your new Smart Home Amenity will include a new thermostat and a digital door lock. You will be able to remotely access your system through an app on any smart device for ease of use. More information will be provided when you pick up your temporary code. Please remember you must make arrangement to pick up your code by Sunday August 2nd, 2020.

(Also love how the deadlines keep changing)

Let me get this straight. Youre freaking out because your apartment wants to put new better locks on your apartment that you would only have to pay for if you damage them? No where am I seeing you have to pay for the installation. With the ADT service theyre going to install it but you would only have to pay for the service if you sign up for it but if you dont the apartment isnt going to be held liable for someone breaking into your apartment. No apartment management company is going to force charge you for extra stuff not in your lease that you dont agree to and your just freaking out for no reason.

They couldnt do this in a rural area. Our internet isnt good enough to support things like this!

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I personally wouldnt want a keyless entry. And I definitely dont want a thermostat that can be controlled remotely...
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MartianManchild posted...

Let me get this straight. Youre freaking out because your apartment wants to put new better locks on your apartment that you would only have to pay for if you damage them?

"Better" is subjective. A key has always been just fine w/ me. I never asked for or wanted this.

No where am I seeing you have to pay for the installation. With the ADT service theyre going to install it but you would only have to pay for the service if you sign up for it but if you dont the apartment isnt going to be held liable for someone breaking into your apartment.

If I refuse to have it installed now, for which we were intentionally given very little notice, I will have to pay to have it installed after I leave. For a dwelling I no longer reside in and have never owned.
It will also force me out after my lease w/o an option to continue leasing (if I'm fine w/ a key lock, what's it matter if I live with it for another 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc...?)
And I'm held liable if someone breaks in w/ this new smart lock, because the claim goes against my own renter's insurance, not the apartment's insurance or ADT.

No apartment management company is going to force charge you for extra stuff not in your lease that you dont agree to and your just freaking out for no reason.

That's literally what they're doing though, so...

streamofthesky posted...

If I refuse to have it installed now, for which we were intentionally given very little notice, I will have to pay to have it installed after I leave

Yea because youre making the apartment complexes life difficult for no reason. Its a new key entry system for gods sake. You dont own the place and theyre not forcing something on you thats not dangerous or inferior. Youre just being a drama queen crybaby over something very simple and not unreasonable at all.

MartianManchild posted...

Yea because youre making the apartment complexes life difficult for no reason. Its a new key entry system for gods sake. You dont own the place and theyre not forcing something on you thats not dangerous or inferior. Youre just being a drama queen crybaby over something very simple and not unreasonable at all.

It kind of is unreasonable, though. They are basically forcing a new key system, that isnt needed. And tbh, really isnt better (though it depends on the actual things it can do). And if he doesnt want it, they make him pay for it to be installed later. But by installing it, they are making it so that they arent liable for stuff being stolen anymore. Meaning he has to have renters insurance. Though, Im not sure if keyless entry is really any better. And he loses some power/control over his apartment. As they could just change the pin on him, and he thermostat...
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RIP to this topic.

Sorry TC we need to argue with an obvious troll for the next 200 posts.

So, again this isn't something I've had to know about before so I'm trying to research as best I can.
I thought the strict timeline being enforced might be signing a contract "under duress", but it seems more likely it'd fit under signing it under "undue influence". Which I'm not sure I can prove other than showing evidence that none of the written correspondence mentioned an addendum until I went to get the temp code and it was suddenly presented for me to sign.

I don't know if that's good enough, feels like I'm trying to prove a negative. I could present every single written notice I've gotten. But what's to stop the apartment from bull shitting up a letter after the fact that they claim they sent out (and of course never did)? I have some emails, but they've also put flyers in our doors. None of them mentioned it either, but I can't disprove a new flyer they make is from after this date.

argonautweakend posted...

RIP to this topic.

Sorry TC we need to argue with an obvious troll for the next 200 posts.

lol

So, are you just going to sign it, or get a lawyer? Or move out?
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LinkPizza posted...

It kind of is unreasonable, though. They are basically forcing a new key system, that isnt needed. And tbh, really isnt better (though it depends on the actual things it can do). And if he doesnt want it, they make him pay for it to be installed later. But by installing it, they are making it so that they arent liable for stuff being stolen anymore. Meaning he has to have renters insurance. Though, Im not sure if keyless entry is really any better. And he loses some power/control over his apartment. As they could just change the pin on him, and he thermostat...

It isnt though. You guys seem to forget that he doesnt own this place. Hes renting it. That doesnt entitle you to reject improvements to the owners property just because you dont feel like it. You guys are just a bunch of drama queens. Any lawyer would just laugh at you and put you in your place. Enjoy life being scared of change for no reason lmao.

LinkPizza posted...

So, are you just going to sign it, or get a lawyer? Or move out?

Not sure.
Even if I don't sign it, I have to move out after this lease ends anyway.
So at that point, I may as well avoid the risk of being charged to add the smart lock later and the legal battle, if I'm moving out anyway.

But this isn't right at all... Been reaching out to anyone I can for advice. I know someone who's a realtor, so he might be able to get in contact w/ a tenant law expert, waiting to hear back. He said I shouldn't sign it, and if I do there's probably no recourse after the fact.

MartianManchild posted...

Its a new key entry system for gods sake.

One that sounds insanely scary and shady.

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MartianManchild posted...

It isnt though. You guys seem to forget that he doesnt own this place. Hes renting it. That doesnt entitle you to reject improvements to the owners property just because you dont feel like it. You guys are just a bunch of drama queens. Any lawyer would just laugh at you and put you in your place. Enjoy life being scared of change for no reason lmao.

Nobody forgot that, though. But they are changing a lot. And in the middle of a lease. Personally, what would be better is to ask if he wants it. If not, it should be fine and they can get it when they leave in their own instead of forcing him to pay for it. Thats how it should be done. Not forcing him to change to something unneeded in the middle of his lease. Though, others have mentioned you are a troll. So, I guess what you say doesnt matter much, anyway...

streamofthesky posted...

Not sure.
Even if I don't sign it, I have to move out after this lease ends anyway.
So at that point, I may as well avoid the risk of being charged to add the smart lock later and the legal battle, if I'm moving out anyway.

But this isn't right at all... Been reaching out to anyone I can for advice. I know someone who's a realtor, so he might be able to get in contact w/ a tenant law expert, waiting to hear back. He said I shouldn't sign it, and if I do there's probably no recourse after the fact.

You could do that. Though, are you going to wait until the lease ends. Usually, when something changes, you can sometimes get out of the lease. Depending on certain things, of course...

And thats true. Once you sign it, its signed. You cant do anything else about it. So, make sure its what you want.
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A lot of you guys here need a reality check. The entitlement here is so child like and just because you dont like something doesnt make it illegal or wrong. The apartment complex is only doing things within their rights as the property owner and I encourage TC to go talk to a lawyer so he can get a hard dose of reality that he desperately needs.

MartianManchild posted...

A lot of you guys here need a reality check. The entitlement here is so child like and just because you dont like something doesnt make it illegal or wrong. The apartment complex is only doing things within their rights as the property owner and I encourage TC to go talk to a lawyer so he can get a hard dose of reality that he desperately needs.

And just because youre ok with something doesnt mean its legal. Changing a lease could be considered illegal unless there are rules about changing it. And even then, it has to follow the rules. The problem is the flexibility of the meaning of certain words. If youre cool with everything, thats fine. Not everybody is ok with everything. And a lawyer would most likely go against you. Whether because of money, or because they probably wouldnt agree. Just because youre not the owner doesnt mean you dont have tenant rights...
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MartianManchild posted...

A lot of you guys here need a reality check. The entitlement here is so child like and just because you dont like something doesnt make it illegal or wrong. The apartment complex is only doing things within their rights as the property owner and I encourage TC to go talk to a lawyer so he can get a hard dose of reality that he desperately needs.

Nothing with legal matters in the US is as simple as you are making it out to be.

Lol. You dont think a giant apartment complex already has had a lawyer review everything in order to make sure everything theyre doing is within their rights. Get out of here with your emotionally charged clown reasoning. You guys are bias because youre young and dont understand how the world works. Also theyre not changing the lease lmao.

MartianManchild posted...

Lol. You dont think a giant apartment complex already has had a lawyer review everything in order to make sure everything theyre doing is within their rights. Get out of here with your emotionally charged clown reasoning. You guys are bias because youre young and dont understand how the world works. Also theyre not changing the lease lmao.

Its possible they dont. Some apartments are actually pretty sketchy. And there have been times where all it took to get an apartment complex to stop doing something is to talk about getting a lawyer. Or bringing one with you. Not all of them have lawyers. You can assume that of you want, though. So how about you get out of here with your assumptions. Also, funny coming from a guy with your username. Especially since youve apparently proven that username correct in other topics...
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MartianManchild posted...

Lol. You dont think a giant apartment complex already has had a lawyer review everything in order to make sure everything theyre doing is within their rights. Get out of here with your emotionally charged clown reasoning. You guys are bias because youre young and dont understand how the world works. Also theyre not changing the lease lmao.

Don't know, my experiences with apartment complexes has not involved large corporations with top notch legal teams coming up with ways to screw people.

Idk if you already got this settled, but this seems like a matter better suited for r/legaladvice

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How is the apartment screwing him? By wanting to improve their property? He doesnt own the place and the only one being a pain in the ass in TC because he wont let the apartment complex make the upgrades they want that in no way truly impact him. Grow up. Also I expect full apologies when a lawyer puts him in his place lmao.