|
|
Post by Sunkist on May 19, 2020 13:18:35 GMT -5
Recent years has been my first experience of tenants/neighbors who are so afraid of a landlord that they won't speak out about anything.
This jerk is everything I despise- racist, misogynist, bully, thinks he's better than everybody else.
My mistake- if it'd be called one- letting too much slide when I shouldn't have, and showing manners and basic courtesy which he takes as fear and weakness. As far as I know, I'm the only tenant who's not afraid, but that's not the way he interprets it.
One particular issue, though, has me ready to blow sky-high. He locked us out of the laundry room. However, considering local terminology and language barrier, I wasn't 100% certain til quite recently that landlords do not have the right to do that- that they must keep facilities in repair and accessible. Complicating matters further, FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS his approach has ranged from ongoing excuses to flat-out lying as to why it hadn't been repaired/reopened. Recently, though, I learned he told a neighbor it would NOT be reopened at all.
Tenants range from bunches of us seniors to disabled people to children. Nobody drives. While basic cleanliness for hygiene and personal appearance have been a logical need all along, now there's the additional matter of health/safety recommendations due to the coronavirus- people need washing machines and dryers.
On this and every topic that exists, I'm "The Cheese Stands Alone." Others will not speak up, and I'm sure they won't back me up if I do. In other words, I'm the only one who can speak up.. but it's a very isolated feeling. So I'm hoping for some advice or encouragement from other members here...
|
|
|
|
Post by cassandra on May 19, 2020 14:01:11 GMT -5
Not knowing where you live, it's kind of impossible to give you good advice. Housing and rental laws depend on your local government. It might be a lease violation if having a laundry in the building is stated in your lease. Otherwise, your landlord probably does not have to provide this service for you.
I know what you mean about standing alone. I can't count the amount of times I've taken it upon myself to speak for a group who can't or won't do it. Looking back, I think I made mistakes and have given myself grief by choosing to place the burden on my own shoulders.
But first, you must find out if your landlord is doing something illegal or just being cheap or nasty. No laws against being mean and/or ungenerous as far as I know. The landlord would be pleased if complainers just leave and find other places to live.
My sympathies for your problem.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sunkist on May 19, 2020 14:10:08 GMT -5
Not knowing where you live, it's kind of impossible to give you good advice. Housing and rental laws depend on your local government. It might be a lease violation if having a laundry in the building is stated in your lease. Otherwise, your landlord probably does not have to provide this service for you. I know what you mean about standing alone. I can't count the amount of times I've taken it upon myself to speak for a group who can't or won't do it. Looking back, I think I made mistakes and have given myself grief by choosing to place the burden on my own shoulders. But first, you must find out if your landlord is doing something illegal or just being cheap or nasty. No laws against being mean and/or ungenerous as far as I know. The landlord would be pleased if complainers just leave and find other places to live. My sympathies for your problem. Yes, state landlord/tenant law does say it's landlord's responsibility.. and it's mentioned in the lease that tenants are supposed to use it. But he's cheap and nasty, too.
There's also a law against retaliation- but he's been clear if he wants to get rid of a tenant he will, and has done so.
As for this topic, I have no negative viewpoint against any neighbors- they were brought up to be afraid of people they consider authority figures, and this skuzzball landlord takes full advantage of that.
|
|
|
|
Post by cassandra on May 19, 2020 14:21:12 GMT -5
"Yes, state landlord/tenant law does say it's landlord's responsibility.. and it's mentioned in the lease that tenants are supposed to use it. But he's cheap and nasty, too.
There's also a law against retaliation- but he's been clear if he wants to get rid of a tenant he will, and has done so.
As for this topic, I have no negative viewpoint against any neighbors- they were brought up to be afraid of people they consider authority figures, and this skuzzball landlord takes full advantage of that."
Too many, the majority in my experience, have learned through whatever means not to rock the boat and to be afraid.
If you don't want to engage the landlord in court, does your locality have provisions for arbitration? There is probably a need for a third party who can be impartial and make decisions. Could you speak to a housing attorney or Legal Aid? On your own, you can't force him. If you're under a rent control or stabilization, he'd probably want to see the end of his present tenants and raise the rent for new ones.
|
|
|
|
Post by 2old on May 19, 2020 16:17:55 GMT -5
No one should have the place they call home made unsafe, unsanitary, or unlivable by an unscrupulous slumlord. So much of a solution depends on where you live and the governing body(s). We live in a community that has a large state university and an army base. Throughout the years, we have had slumlord issues. For the past 20 years, our local and state regulatory agencies have pretty well put a stop to slumlords in our community. We have a rental inspection program. Any tenant can request a visit from code enforcement at any time. Any retaliation on behalf of the landlord will result in a quick revoking of his rental license.
It sounds like in your community, you do not benefit from government agencies who advocate for renters. That is so necessary, especially when there are flagrant evidences of fear and threats imposed by the landlord.
Is there a local law firm that specializes in landlord/renter disputes? If so, they might become involved with the agreement to have their fees paid by the landlord... WHEN... he is adjudicated delinquent in living up to the rental agreement... and local codes. Just make sure that firm does not represent the landlord in question!!!! The last thing you need is for this jerk's attorney to let him know you are seeking legal assistance.
Is there another place you could move if your lease is cancelled? There has to be a county or state agency that sets and enforces standards for building codes, living conditions, etc. Start at the "big" end. Find the state agency first and see what they recommend. Work your way down to local jurisdictions. That way, the landlord would have less chance of "being in bed with" the state vs. the city.
Photos!!! Photograph/video that the laundry room is inaccessible. Photograph any squalor. Video visits with residents who have been threatened by the landlord. Collect as much digital evidence you can. Make SURE you download everything on at least two thumb drives, locking one in a safe deposit box or giving it to a friend for safe keeping. Take photos of the entire interior of your apartment. Never trust this landlord to not enter the apartment and steal/damage your possessions if he get riled up.
Make extra copies of your rental agreement. Again, send at least one to a friend or family member for safe keeping. Have them keep the envelope you send it in which has the postmark. That confirms the date you sent it.
Being victimized by a slumlord is an extremely difficult hurdle to overcome. It can and will wear on you. He's used to bullying his way through people. You and your fellow renters are not! You need GOOD professional assistance from an attorney and a regulatory agency. I wish you well in getting through this!! (If all else fails, you might have to find a "Guido" who shows up at your landlord's door with a violin case and a baseball bat!!!) :>)
|
|
