Dealing with student housing.

Zephos

Okay, so i've been in student housing for almost 3 years now. I've had 6 different roommates.

about 8 to 12 months ago they asked me if i wanted new carpet in my studio apartment in a chicago highrise. Being financially strapped i distinctly remember asking if it would cost me anything, and from what i can remember the answer was no.

well, finally (2 roommates later) we got the new carpet about a month ago.....

and i get a bill... 257 dollars, half of the carpet cost, with the other half going to i think my old roommate who will never even see the carpet.

my question is in regards to me calling them and seeing what i can do about this, since i definitely remember the former student housing coordinator (whom doesn't work here anymore) telling me it wouldn't cost anything.

Not to mention they DID NOT inform me that the carpet would be costing me anything when they finally did get around to installing it.


any advice from keeping me from telling the lady "Why in the fuck would i pay for carpet in this shithole" is greatly appreciated.

EggyToast

That's why you're calling it a shithole, mind -- cos it sucks. Call the coordinator and refuse the bill, saying that you were explicitly told that the carpet wouldn't cost you anything. You don't own the place, and the only reason you agreed to have them replace it was because you were told it was their own project.

Unless you wrecked the old carpet, it's not your responsibility to pay for maintenance. That'd be like them installing a new stove and trying to get you to pay for it.

Bitch, and don't relent. Unless they have documentation that shows that you wrecked up the old stuff, you shouldn't be charged anything.

crake

If there's no signature either way, then you should be able to get out of paying it quite easily. That kind of crapola doesn't go down in any university/college without signatures up the wazoo. Frankly, I can't even believe it would be legal to charge you anyway. (as it would be illegal if you were in a regular apartment building.)

matt has a problem

Yep, as it's a rental, they need signed proof that you agreed both to have it installed, and to pay for the installation. Otherwise, they can't do squat.

CloudOnMyTongue

I concur. You did not initiate the install, as it isn't even your place (i.e., you're just renting). Make a big stink about it - they have no grounds to charge you.

supabeast

As everyone else said, if you didn't agree to pay for the carpet in writing, don't pay that bill! One caveat however—check your lease for anything that might allow them to dump the cost of the carpet on you.

Also, if this is student housing that you got through your school, file a written complaint with the housing office and the Dean of Students.

Endomatic

They have you over a barrel and you are completely fucked, regardless of what other people say to the contrary.

You might as well give up, and end your life.