Feeling helpless and out at sea

Feeling helpless and out at sea

Member since 2019 · 2 posts · 0 votes

So my landlord rented half a unit on the 3rd floor to me over a year ago. Her father was the already existing tenant, only quirk was that she expected rent weekly. Over the last year her father has moved out and she's moved people into every bedroom. She even turned the living room into an additional bedroom to rent out. About a month ago she confronts me with "information" she could have only known if she had gone through my personal belongings. It's a medical problem, it's private and uncomfortable. She feels that it shows I'm a drug addict and a liar, all of this caught on audio because she had barged into my bedroom screaming. In that time she's done everything she can to get rid of me, well mostly the last 2 weeks. Her and her son come into the unit with no notice and at all hours. They demolished everything, leaving just the refrigerator in the kitchen. Even removed the mirror from the bathroom wall. Every time I get a heavy Bang on my door from the landlord, "Why are you still here?", "Get the **** out dope head", "you're just a bum and a loser." I have an official case with the Fair Housing Commission and was told to call the police if it got bad. I was officially served an eviction notice yesterday. Tonight I get home, both doors are wide open and the landlord has clearly been inside. Alright, well I lock back up and lay down. 8pm comes around and I hear the locks on the door disengage. I hear music from the kitchen so loud it vibrates everything in my room. Again, landlord bangs on my door repeatedly until I answer. "Why the **** haven't you left?!", "is that your beer in the fridge?" while her son is in the kitchen going through the fridge. By now I have had it, I can't even exist without anxiety there. I'm a very reasonable and civil person and don't like conflict. I'm going through this process the best I can. I called the police and was told other than the noise they don't see a problem. Said to figure it amongst ourselves. That there was a shooting down the street and they don't need calls like this. I completely understand but I'm left here feeling like I'm an unreasonable ******* with no right to complain. And my landlord and her son still in the kitchen listening to crazy loud music and remodeling what they tore apart! 

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
7y

Over 95% of Americans own a cell phone. It's probably capable of taking pictures, recording video, and recording audio. All you have to do is document what's going on and you'll win your case. Government loves to slam Landlords, particularly when there's clear evidence of law violations or harassment.

In the meantime, find another place to live. They're acting like this because you've allowed it. They won't change.

The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
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  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    7y

    Report them, by name, to every rental agency you can...and find another place to live...and when you get to your next place, report your medical problem to your new Landlord

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    Call the police back and tell them that you don't feel safe.  I would also contact a lawyer, there are people who will do this pro bono.  The Fair Housing Commission might be able to refer you to one.  I'd also suggest looking for a new place to live.  They can't evict you without cause, but at the same time I wouldn't want to live there.

  • Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    7y

    Why haven’t you moved ? How bad does it have to get ? Are you waiting for them to come in with a tire iron and beat the crap out of you in your sleep or what ? Just MOVE . It is obviously not working out

  • Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    I concur with Dennis. Move. Soon. Have you paid all your rent? If so, what grounds did they use to file an eviction? You do know that the eviction filing may impact your future rental options? (even if it doesn't actually go to court)

  • Real Estate Agent · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    If you have "an official case with the Fair Housing Commission," then speak to your contact there, call your local city code enforcement and/or landlord/tenant departments and explain what's going on, especially if you're saying your landlord came in without notice or permission and destroyed your kitchen except for fridge, possibly making unit not fit for occupancy, and ask if they have legal aid that can assist you or to direct you there.  There are systems in place where you file a complaint at the city, pay your rent to escrow there rather than to landlord, and landlord can do nothing about it until a resolution has been reached, either landlord has fixed all problems or other remedy.  

    However, if you don't have a long-term lease and they've given you proper notice, then you should have just left.  If you do have a long-term lease, then you need to follow your city's procedures.  

    Personally, no legal advice, not a lawyer for sure, I'd just negotiate with her for a very good written reference from her plus her word that she'll vouch that you paid timely rent payments and no complaints if contacted by new landlord so you can find a new place more easily, then agree that you'll leave once you've successfully found another place to go.  Especially as it sounds like a horrible place to live, so you'd likely be better off elsewhere, anyway.

  • Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y
    Do you have a lease or rental agreement in writing? If so, have you complied with the provisions? Have they?
    What state are you in? That can make a difference.
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    Over 95% of Americans own a cell phone. It's probably capable of taking pictures, recording video, and recording audio. All you have to do is document what's going on and you'll win your case. Government loves to slam Landlords, particularly when there's clear evidence of law violations or harassment.

    In the meantime, find another place to live. They're acting like this because you've allowed it. They won't change.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Member since 2019 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    Everyone here is absolutely right! And yes I'm doing my best to get the funds together to get out of here ASAP! I live in Hartford, CT and have always been current on rent. I have been documenting everything and that's the reason Fair Housing is stepping in. I assure you that I'm not trying to stay here or find a way to prolong the process. I plan on being out of here within the week as soon as I am able. I greatly appreciate everyone's input and help with this matter. 

    Thanks! 

  • Rhodee GinePro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Hartford, CT · Member since 2011 · 1 post · 1 vote
    6y

    @Keith Soyka

    Keith- Sorry you’re in this situation. Hartford Free Center is hosting a series of workshops on tenants rights. The next one is this Saturday 10/19. This may be a good resource. Good luck.

    http://hartfordfreecenter.org/

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