My husband was laid off some months ago, it's been really tough. We've been late on our rent three months in the past six months. My husband landed a great job but doesn't start until after the new year. We've exhausted our savings and we're short on our December rent. I've tried to work something out with our landlord, but he won't accept our rent late any more and he's charged us $139 plus $5.00 per day until the rent was received for every month that we've been late. So, we owe him a lot of money in late fees and I'm short on the rent. Should we just give the money we have now and give notice? And if we give notice, can he still evict us? Any help would be great, and any tips on where to go for legal advice? (He required 1st month, last month plus a deposit to move in, so he's holding a large amount of money from us)
2006-12-20 14:50:06 · 8 answers · asked by Alwayz Learning 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
This is my forte'. First off do you have children? Where are you from and do you have access to a Family Independence Agency? In Michigan there are many resources available, such as Churches, Salvation Army and the Red Cross, and Samaritan House. These places will pay for shutoff notices from utilities and if you have an eviction notice they will work you situation out with the landlord and keep you in your home with whatever payment or payments are agreed upon. You may also ask your landlord to apply your deposit monies to cover at least one more month until your husband returns to work. Also, the 1st month security is to cover a month of unpaid rent in the case you were to abandon your residence and the last month security is cover any damages to the abode and to give the landlord breathing room (but only if he pays a mortgage still on his property), in order to find a new tenant.
Hope this is helpful. I will pray for your relief. Nicci
2006-12-20 15:01:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You only get the deposit, not whatever amounts of rent he required upfront, back when you leave. And you can only receive the deposit 30days after you've moved out. (Any longer and its illegal for him to withhold it, unless you trashed the place, or there was a term in your lease that specified you would lose the deposit example: pet damage)
For legal advise, what are you looking to get? If he is evicting you because of late payment or non-payment of rent its completely legal. Unfortunately it doesn't matter to the state or whomever is in charge of renting laws that circumstances led you to be short on cash. You can fight an eviction, find out what court is in charge of hearing these cases in your area, and go get the paperwork. But if he has a legitimate reason such as... not getting paid then you would be wasting your time.
You should look to see if there is a limit of the amount he can charge you for a late fee, his fee sounds way too high.
The keywords are "Renter rights" "Tenants rights" "Tenant Landlord disputes" things like that typed into a search engine will give you leads.
Look into welfare, unemployment, and housing assistance in your area. Some states have programs to help low-income people with their bills.
2006-12-20 15:10:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear of your troubles. I would contact a lawyer (legal aid society) perhaps they would be able to negotiate on your behalf. Also those late charges sound high, check you lease / rental agreement. Any late fees or interest must be agreed upon in the contract. Your landlord can not make-up charges and fees after the fact. Also if he agreed to waive any fees or charges in past months, then he can not reinstate them at this date. Do you have bills for these charges dated from the months that the rent was late, or did you get billed all together this month. Don't let this landlord get more than he should because you are in a bad spot.
Happy to hear that the light is on the horizen. Good fortune for your future.
2006-12-20 15:04:03 · answer #3 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sorry....I am assuming you've exhausted getting any loans from any banks in your area or (as bad as it may be in the long run) cash off a credit card? He can sue you for the remaining amount but once you give notice he cannot evict you- If you are certain this is it and all options are gone go ahead and give him notice-having an eviction on your history will look worse.It's like you getting fired from a job compared to you quiting the job. I wish you the best of luck- I hope all works out and remember-this too shall pass.
2006-12-20 14:59:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have any family or friends that could loan you the money? If so, then maybe you could try to find a place that's a little more affordable until you can catch up. Do you work? If so, is there anyway to work extra to make up the cash. I'm not sure about legal help and your rights, but some lawyers do offer free consultations. Maybe you could take a loan out as well to tie you guys over until then. talk to your bank, they may be able to help as well. Good luck!!
2006-12-20 15:00:24 · answer #5 · answered by pussnboots333 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u will have 30 days after notification of eviction to leave. at least. some states would possibly be more.
if u are going to go that route and he is holding lasts month rent and u havent trashed the place, why pay him anything now? just make him evict u and use the money for new place.
2006-12-20 14:58:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds tough, I think you should ring a lawyer or legal place or even a real estate agent and ask for advice.
2006-12-20 14:59:04 · answer #7 · answered by swelljosie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sell the car or the TV or Ur jewels , sell something
2006-12-20 15:01:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋