If You're Worried About Insecticides' Effects, Tell Your Landlord

I have three roommates, and each of us pays rent separately. Yesterday, the manager of the apartments called all of us and told us that we need to start packing because she has to move us either to a different apartment or to a different building. It is extremely inconvenient now. We are all in school and have jobs. One of my roommates is also on the golf team and it is the middle of his season; another is in theater and is in two different plays right now. Can they really make us move to a different place right now? If they can, are we entitled to some kind of compensation? -- Morristown, Tenn.

First, you might as well learn what few people seem to pick up until they have rented for many years. Read your lease. All of it. The small print, the big words. All of it.

Your lease will answer the question better than I can. Generally speaking, though, your landlord cannot just move you to another apartment or building without a good reason, such as an emergency because of a newly discovered health violation or a serious structural problem.

Your landlord cannot just make you leave because it is convenient. For instance, it is possible that your landlord simply wants to ensure seamless occupancy, and this is a way to reduce future scheduling problems with tenants.

It is fair to say that some landlords try to get away with certain violations when they deal with students, who generally do not have a lot of experience living on their own. Just because you are students does not mean you do not have the same rights as other tenants.

If your lease is not expiring now, and there is no major problem with your unit or the building, call your local housing office or a local tenant association to seek legal advice.

To begin to contest your landlord's request that you move, write a letter citing when the lease actually requires you to leave the unit. If you demonstrate to your landlord that you understand your lease and your position as rent-payers, then your landlord may back down right away. Especially if you mention that you plan to consult the local housing office, your landlord may leave you alone.

However, your landlord may respond by continuing to demand that you and your roommates move. Your options include filing a formal complaint with your local housing office jurisdiction and refusing to move. You could also attempt to negotiate if you are willing to move.

If your landlord is violating the lease by asking you to leave, make sure you get something for the trouble you are being caused mid-semester. You might ask for financial compensation or for some other perk, such as an upgraded apartment at the same cost, gym membership or extra parking spots.

Do you have questions, comments or ideas about apartment life? Contact Sara Gebhardt via e-mail at aptlife@gmail.comor by mail, c/o Real Estate Editor, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.