Since this landlord took over the apartment building over the past 2 years, there have been 4 car breakins inside the enclosed garage, and reports of apartment breakins. This landlord has allowed some shady residents in the building who sale bootleg movies/CDs, drugs, etc, and they have downgraded the building environment that use to exist under the former landlord. The tenants who were robbed reported this to the landlord but were told by him that he is not responsible for increasing security (video cameras, better lighting in the garage, etc), and that it is the tenants' problems. He left a curse filled voicemail for one of these tenants threatening to 'make them pay for the rest of their lives' after he learned that the tenants told other residents about the breakins. Instead of being compassionate to want to make the building a better, safer place to live, he accused the tenants of defamation. They did not accuse him of the breakins. Any advice on what to do?
2007-05-25 11:54:07 · 12 answers · asked by allseasonstreasure 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
ok this is simple, just move. Who can say if he were sued wether or not he would win or lose. The only people that win in lawsuits are lawyers. Just move.
2007-05-25 11:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by misty m 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is one of those tricky issues that really does have to be decided by a judge, liability-wise. The persons that bring suit have to show damages, and have to show that they put the landlord on notice about the security. The voicemail would be very helpful evidence in a lawsuit and I think the robbed tenants may have a cause of action. I don't know how many people you're talking about here, but the more the better. I don't know in which state you live in, but your landlord doesn't seem to know much about premises liability for being a landlord.
If all the tenants that were robbed pool their money and see a lawyer, they may have a really good case against the landlord. Another strategy to consider if you really want to bake his noodle is to have each tenant file one lawsuit after another in small claims court (no lawyer required). That would keep the landlord so busy going to court that he ought to be really ready to talk settlement after his 10th appearance. It will also let the court system get familiar with this landlord. If you can even back up half the allegations you have here, it ought to be interesting.
2007-05-25 12:03:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The city regulates rental buildings. In some cases it is the provinces/states. It would be advisable to start at city hall. Quite often if they can't help, they do have relevant persons to contact. Contacting your local government representative would also help. Also contacting your local newspaper is good. There is nothing a landlord hates more than to make it into the "Lifestyles Section" as a dead beat. They did that in the Toronto Star a while back with a headline implying top ten rentals from hell..... They showed evidence of crime and neglect.
2007-05-25 12:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by Alletery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the landlord if all participating tenants can apply one month's rent towards purchasing security equipment, etc.
I dunno what your lease says about it, but I'm sure you ned landlord permission first.. but you all can dedicate a certain month to take all of your rents and get some security stuff...
Just an idea? I'm a compromiser not a fighter! (The court thing will cost money and time... better to try and work with this dude... )
2007-05-25 12:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Carmen W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The extent of a landlord's safety obligations vary greatly because local and state laws, ordinances, and court decisions differ.
Here's an article discussing this, and what he should be expected to do (prior to your filing a lawsuit):
http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20010214_safety.htm
2007-05-25 12:00:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are entitled to by law a safe place to live and this is obviously not one . Oh my yes you all need to see a lawyer that is all of the tennants maybe you could file a class action lawsuit of some sort . all of you need to ban together and go see a lawyer . good luck
2007-05-25 12:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ganging up on him and not paying the rent is not a good idea. You would be guilty of conspiring against him.
You can not hold him responsible for the crime in your area anymore then you are responsible. If you need help it is the law enforcement in your area that is letting you down.
2007-05-26 09:48:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider moving, if he refuses to either clean up his tenant roll or provide more security. However, break ins are not his responsibility.
2007-05-25 11:57:31 · answer #8 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do some checking around, in some cases, rent can be with held in an intrest bearing account, untill the land lord corrects some of those issues.
2007-05-25 11:59:01 · answer #9 · answered by duster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move, move, move. The LL is not responsible for changing the conditions of the premises...and doesn't sound as though they are willing to anyway..
2015-12-14 06:29:22 · answer #10 · answered by Casey Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋