Seniors rights seem to be missing

[proudalabamygranny]

My husband and I rent an apt. in a HUD subsidized building for seniors over 62 or disabled. We have been given notice of pending renovation during which every tenant will need to vacate their apts (no access to floor we live on will be allowed) during the 'working on hours' and we may re-enter in the evenings. During these repairs floors will be removed in bath and kitchen as well as commode and all kitchen counters, cabinets and appliances, and windows, they have stated this will take 2-3 days per apt. but our concern is we have to sit downstairs for HOURS each day and have no access to our home nor will be have a way to cook or meals or keep or food for days and we cannot afford to eat out plus pay our rent here nor can we afford hotel accomodations while this work is being done. Our apts will be open during that time for whatever access is needed by anyone except us. We are uncomfortable with this and fear we will have longer than 2-3 days as having been involved in the construction field when younger 2-3 days could usually mean 2-3 weeks. Thank you for letting me vent as most of us have no where else to live and just have to accept whatever goes on here. Example: when the maintainance personel wish to change air filter, which to us is normal seasonal maintainance, not an emergency. They just tap on the door and use their pass key to enter you might be in bed or in shower it does not matter you are given no notice. We are treated as if we live in a nursing home not a Hud subsidized apartment facility where we rent an apartment. We are not allowed to put a lock on the inside of the door to prevent them from access at inoportune moments. So this should give you some idea of what we are expecting during renovations of 60 apartments, while trying to live in our apartment and paying rent to do so yet being made to leave them for hours at a time, I have COPD and have air purifiers in my apt. plus air conditioning and no perfumes. Downstairs I am exposed to whatever for whatever time they say we must stay out. I guess my question is can they do this? Do they not have to provide us with alternate living quarters while work is being done? Do they not have to refund our rent for an apt we are not allowed to occupy except when allowed so this money can be used to buy food if we cannot cook?

[able1]

If it is not habitable for you they should provide an alternative yes. Meet with management to let them know or even ask your state legislator to intervene. Also your local code compliance staff can help at city hall or the county commission.