Moving to my first apartment! Help?

[vickalamode]

Hi DIS...so DBF and I are moving to our first apartment together this weekend. The realtor who we are working with called me today with the information for gas and electric so I could set them up. I set up the electric fine but we are having trouble with the gas...

Basically they told us they can't turn our gas on for TWO WEEKS. Is that normal? It seems unreasonable that we aren't going to have heat, hot water, or be able to cook for 2 weeks. I could understand if they couldn't get to us until Monday/Tuesday or even Wednesday but 2 weeks is an awfully long time, and it's not looking like the weather is going to be getting much warmer.

Anyone have experience with this issue and have suggestions on what we can do to get them to come sooner? The realtor suggested calling them and saying we have a baby who is cold...

Also I've already thought about using hot plates and space heaters but they aren't allowed and I don't want to violate my lease within the first couple days living there!

 

[katesorad]

Hi DIS...so DBF and I are moving to our first apartment together this weekend. The realtor who we are working with called me today with the information for gas and electric so I could set them up. I set up the electric fine but we are having trouble with the gas...

Basically they told us they can't turn our gas on for TWO WEEKS. Is that normal? It seems unreasonable that we aren't going to have heat, hot water, or be able to cook for 2 weeks. I could understand if they couldn't get to us until Monday/Tuesday or even Wednesday but 2 weeks is an awfully long time, and it's not looking like the weather is going to be getting much warmer.

Anyone have experience with this issue and have suggestions on what we can do to get them to come sooner? The realtor suggested calling them and saying we have a baby who is cold...

Also I've already thought about using hot plates and space heaters but they aren't allowed and I don't want to violate my lease within the first couple days living there!

That doesn't sound right. I don't even see how it would work, living without gas. I suppose you could wear sweatshirts and sweatpants with a winter jacket inside the house to keep warm, but it's going to cost a lot of $ to eat out for every meal.

 

[lizabu]

Hot water will be the main problem. You will either have to get them to move up the date or postpone moving. When I called the gas company they came the next day.

 

[malibuconlee]

Is this a complex or an apartment that is part of a house? The landlord made their first mistake by not having an account set up in their name that charges automatically go to between tenants. We had an issue with a "new" landlord not used to renting that didn't do this. Our issue was they wanted us to pay for days before our lease started so nothing was turned off between tenants.

 

[disneyofcourse]

First Congrats on taking this step!!

Second I would either wait to move in or not pick this apartment. Not having basics is a no-no. Somethings up since usually the company would get things setup right after you called to setup the account in your names. Who is telling you that you can't get gas until 2 weeks later?

 

[laurafergie]

The delay is common when they have to put in lines or a new meter - Is this new construction or a remodel so there isn't already existing gas stuff there? If so, you may be out of luck.

 

[MommyJack]

Doesn't sound right to me either. Either there is more to the story or the realtor and landlord are trying to take advantage of your inexperience. If the apartment has existing gas it should just be a matter of them switching the account into your name. If the gas has been completely shut off and requires the gas company to come out, this should be the landlord's responsibility. If the apartment doesn't have heat and hot water, it is not habitable and you should not have to pay rent until it is. You should discuss this with the realtor. Tell her that the apartment is not in move in condition and you will move in when it is ready and begin paying rent as of that date. No one should expect you to live for two weeks without heat and hot water or a stove.

I was a rental agent and would never expect anyone to move into an apartment without such basics.

 

[cbg1027]

I would try calling again and speaking to someone else. Ask them why they can't come sooner. Something about this seems really off to me.

If the gas lines are already in the home, then it takes about 15 minutes (or less) for service person to turn things on. I have worked in real estate and my family owns several rental properties, so I've been through this before.

We have to deal with 2 different utility companies where I am and I have NEVER come across a time where they could not send someone out to turn the gas on within 2 business days. Most of the time, they are able to send someone the next day.

I find it hard to believe that the company would be so booked up that they couldn't come for 2 whole weeks. As I said....as long as the gas lines are already there, it's a very short job.