Hi, I signed a lease for a condo a few weeks ago (June 1 start date). Since it was a condo and not a co-op, I wasn’t concerned that there didn’t seem to be a lengthy board approval process. All of this was handled through a real estate agent working with a major firm (I signed the lease in person in their fancy office). I was told that I’d be treated like a regular resident in the building and could get maintenance through the property management and apply to use the building amenities (gym, etc.). The landlord gave me the key and I scheduled a move for this Thursday. However, after numerous calls and e-mails, I couldn’t get any info about the move-in rules (times, COI) etc.
Finally this Friday, the building super gave me the info about the COI from the movers and added me to the building maintenance system. But then in the afternoon, the property management company sent an email saying a couldn’t move in until I complete their approval process (yes, on Friday afternoon before Memorial Day Weekend). The real estate agent is now telling me she’s not sure if I’ll be able to move in, but the owner told me to just move in as planned since, apparently, none of his prior tenants have had approval before.
Redditors have advised me not to move in as the landlord recommended. Can the landlord claim that I still owe them rent since I have the keys? Also, what should I do if he refuses to request board approval? I never planned to be in the middle of their drama. Thanks!