How can I prove that my landlord stole my replacement tenants?

Question

My landlord said I could get out of my lease if I found somebody to replace me. So far, he's taken every person I've sent as a replacement and put them into a new apartment -- without letting me out! Three of them told me this through e-mail. The other ones I just never heard from again! Apparently, he told me that he was renting for a certain rate and a certain lease term -- and then turned around and offered my replacements a better deal! What do I need to prove that he's doing this in court? Are e-mails enough, or do I need witness statements? It is illegal, right???

kimmamarie, I'd agree with you if the landlord hadn't also lied to me about what his fixed "corporate" rates and lease terms were so that I couldn't offer a better deal; and then lied to at least one of my pressed-for-time replacements, and told him it would take much longer to sublet the unit than to just get a new one... even though subletting would be virtually same-day. (I have this all in writing, of course.)

I realize that sometimes business gets unethical -- but it's my hope that when certain greedy, heartless landlords get sloppy with their practices, maybe they can be exposed for the little predators that they really are.

Anyway -- deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence for profit or dishonest advantage... obtaining money or something of value by the abuse of one's office or authority... Sounds like textbook extortion/fraud to me.

But we'll see.

Answer 1

Probably is as they are acceptable to him, so he can't say you haven't found an acceptable tenant to replace you.

Answer 2

If he is advertising the other units at a better deal (cheaper rent, rent insentives) there is nothing you can do. Who is going to pay the rent you pay if they can get it cheaper new? He has every right to mention to them the insentives he has for his apartments and then its THEIR decision. Sorry dear, its not illegal. Its business. So unless you find someone dumb enough to take the higher priced apt, you are stuck.
Obviously you know these people you are sending to him as you are emailing them. They are making the decision NOT to take your apt. My gripe would be with them, not the landlord. They took the deal knowing you needed them to get out. They backstabbed you, not the Landlord.

Answer 3

If you have a paper trail with your email, I would present this information to an attorney. If this person has a real estate management license, you can call your local real estate board and talk to a person there. They MUST take action and look into it if you have proof and file a complaint.

Answer 4

I doubt that he's done anything illegal. You could consult a lawyer, though, for a formal opinion on whether or not you have a case.