I rented this home with the understanding that for the rent I would be paying, certain things would be done to the home, for example, the owners would put in some sort of back yard- something simple, just lawn, and a patio where the kids can play. They would put blinds on all windows to ensure security and privacy-I'm a single mom surrounded by two story homes and regular yard maintenance. None of these things have been done after a year of being here! I keep getting excuses. I've already given my notice to be out by the end of Feb., but now they are saying they will sue me. What the hell for? I haven't done anything!!! Help! I'm a little frightened - I don't want problems from them - they seem a little crazy to me and the lady is a total be-och!
2007-01-18 13:34:43 · 10 answers · asked by sngl_mm 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you have completed the term of your lease, there are no grounds for a lawsuit. If they are ruthless, they may be tempted to say that you had damaged the property (reasonable wear and tear is okay), so take thorough pictures right before you leave and even have a couple of neutral witnesses as to the condition of the property. Better safe than sorry.
If they expressly promised in the rental agreement to make repairs which they failed to do, you actually have grounds to sue them in small claims court for money damages for breach of contract. So they are hoping to frighten you to save their necks.
If you just leave after giving a 30 day notice and having completed the term of your lease (if you had a lease), from what you said, you have nothing to worry about. If you wish to pursue THEM for damages, they will probably try to make it appear as though you damaged the property, so be prepared with the pictures and two neutral witnesses. In the end, they will owe YOU money, which seems fair.
2007-01-18 14:07:50 · answer #1 · answered by ilovela 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, if nothing is in writing then there isn't anything to sue over unless you did excessive damage above your deposit.
By paying your rent on time and "implied" contract was executed that basically said, "I accept your terms as they are, not as verbally promised, and I promise to pay my rent on time".
If it was a month to month and not a lease, you can be finished at the end of the month with no penalty. This varies from state to state but what you have is pretty simple contract law.
From what you have said, they don't have a leg to stand on in court. If they falsely report you as being evicted then YOU can sue them for defamation, maybe discrimination and a bunch of other things depending upon the State law. Your Equal Housing department would also LOVE to hear about false reporting and renting without a written agreement.
Becaue of all the slum lords, the regulatory agencies kind of side with the tenant in these kinds of issues.
My suggestion is just move, learn from the experience and GET EVERYTHING in WRITING with your next place. It just makes it so much less stressful when everybody knows what they are supposed to do.
Good luck,
J
2007-01-18 13:59:26 · answer #2 · answered by jacquesstcroix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you signed an agreement stating that you would be in the home for a minimum of a year, and your notice is for less than that year, then they can sue you for breach of contract. But, if in that lease it states that they would make all of the said improvements, and have not, they already broke the lease, and you are not obligated to hold up your end. But I would check with a lawyer to be sure of that.
Either way, I would consult a lawyer. They usually give a free consultation, and for a nominal fee ($40 - $150) they will write a letter for you basically stating that you have consulted a lawyer, and they are in the wrong (if they truly are). It is amazing how a simple letter from a lawyer can defuse a situation. . .
2007-01-18 13:45:11 · answer #3 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can see them trying to sue you for is to fulfill the remaining months on your lease and make you pay the rent until the lease expires. That is, of course, if you have a signed lease with her. Otherwise, as long as you're caught up with your rent and give a 30 day notice, they have nothing that they can hold you for. More than likely she's bluffing anyway -- the law seems to always work in the tenant's favor. If you have any questions feel free to write me.
2007-01-18 13:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by jh361 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SURE You signed a lease, you legally bind yourself No lease, then just a month to month tenancy, and you bound yourself for 30 days, must pay 1 month's rent, give 30 days notice Regardless WHY you aren't keeping your promises, if you don't, you can be sued Probably NOT for the renovations and repairs, but for rent for the full term of the lease you signed BTW: a LL never HAS to make repairs and renovations, so if these were made specifically at your request and for you, then you could be liable.
2016-05-24 05:27:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a lease that runs out after Feb? take photos of the house in case they take you to court. the photos will show you did not damage to the property. also photograph the back yard. they can not stop you from moving out. did the owner write down the deal on the maintenance they was going to do? call a lawyer, but make sure you get those photo's of the house. room by room. a camcorded will also work. good luck.
2007-01-18 13:46:35 · answer #6 · answered by monreda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does your lease say about these things. If they are covered and they are not met let them sue you, it will not hold up. If you do not have a lease agreement you are considered to be on a month by month basis so you can leave when you want as long as you pay your bills.
2007-01-18 13:39:35 · answer #7 · answered by DR 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you sign a lease that binds you to a certain time period?
2007-01-18 13:46:39 · answer #8 · answered by zemyria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well first off what is her reasoning for sueing you? broken lease?
2007-01-18 14:10:50 · answer #9 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they CAN sue you but they probably wont win
2007-01-18 13:43:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋