My Landlord is truly getting annoying.

[SeaCat]

Well this is getting truly annoying. Once I gave my landlord the required 60 day notice that we were not going to be renewing our lease he turned around and informed his best friend, who also happens to be a Realtor about this. Within a week I was called and informed that they were going to be bringing people by to show the place. When I commented that A) we were still living there, B) We were both in work and would not be able to be there, and C) One hour was not really a reasonable amount of notice.

When I mentioned these points the Realtor became very self rightous and informed me that none of that truly mattered, she was going to be showing the place. If I had a problem with that I should take this up with the landlord who had given her permission to show the place.

Well there is a bit of a problem, it seems my landlord is avoiding me, and has turned off his cell phone. Meanwhile the realtor has shown the place multiple times and each time she calls me she informs me that I have no choice but to allow her to show the place. (I have also informed her that I am holding her personally responsible for any damage or missing items from my house.)

Now here is the interesting part. I am hoping that my landlord does say something to me about my being somewhat reluctant to having people in my house when I am not here. You see, according to Florida Law, they must give me a minimum of 12 hours notice and I have the right to be there when they show the place. Also, on the lease there is a clause that I, the Leasee, agree to show the house in the last 30 days of the lease. Unfortunately for him that last 30 days starts on 2 July. Therefore he has broken the lease on two points so far.

To say I am beginning to get annoyed is being kind about it.

Hopefully though we will be out of here one month early, and then he can show the place to his hearts desire, without us being there. (If however he rents the place without giving us back our deposite and at least part of the last months rent then I'm going to be angry enough to take his ass to court.)

Cat

 

[BlackShanglan]

I think the apartment might require some careful redecoration in order to help it rent quickly. Might I suggest tattered underpants slung over the lampshade, a large pornographic poster in the living room, and a tasteful montage of empty beer bottles, fossilized pizza slices, and eight-day-old mugs of milk on the kitchen table? Of course, you would not wish any of those valuable improvement to be stolen, so you'd probably do well to visit the local humane society and take in a poor lost pup that is due to be put down for viciousness. His gratitude, I am sure, will lead him to be of service to you.

Seriously though, Cat, keep on your toes. If he's showing it a month early, he might try to go ahead and rent it a month early. Possibly it's time to add a lock if your lease allows it, or to send a written protest by certified mail if he does not. Keep a paper trail, and include the fact that the landlord has refused to take calls.

Shanglan

 

[Stella_Omega]

Call the housing authority. Find out if you have the right to change the locks.

Send a set to your landlord right away- in about a month.

 

[SeaCat]

Thanks you two.

The locks unfortunately can't be changed.

A letter has been written and sent.

Small, cheap, yet quite servicable video cameras have been purchased and set up in several unobtrusive locations around the house. (You wouldn't believe the pictures I get from these cameras, in color yet.)

My wifes jewelry as well as the rifles have already been moved to the new place, the handguns are locked into drawer safes during the day anyways. (They are viewable in one of the cameras.)

If I do get moved out by the end of this month, which is what my plans are, and he does rent the house out before the end of July then he is screwed. I have a valid lease and will be the tenant in name up until noon of July 31. (The rent for the month of July is covered by the first, last and deposite. Unless he pays me the last and deposite he can not legally rent this place out before 1201 on 31 July.)

Cat

Oh and you bet I'll be checking to see if anyone is living here right up until my lease ends.

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

Have you considered violence?

Actually, in most states the law regarding tenants rights is quite clear, and prohibits actions of the type your landlord threatens. I recommend you get a copy of the law, or perhaps a landlord-tenant guidebook for your state. Try the internet, and maybe phone your state legislator on Monday - the pol would love an opportunity to seem compassionate by having the staff mail you a copy of the relevent statute.

 

[minsue]

Have you considered violence?

Actually, in most states the law regarding tenants rights is quite clear, and prohibits actions of the type your landlord threatens. I recommend you get a copy of the law, or perhaps a landlord-tenant guidebook for your state. Try the internet, and maybe phone your state legislator on Monday - the pol would love an opportunity to seem compassionate by having the staff mail you a copy of the relevent statute.

That's a good idea, Roxanne. Cat, you might want to try here for some info.

Unfortunately, you are correct that the landlord can allow people in to view the place as long as you are given at least 12 hours notice.

 

[Guest]

Cat - it is so unfair.

You've done so much for others, and even for your jackass of a landlord.

I wish you luck and a speedy exit from your current residence.

 

[MissBri]

 

[R. Richard]

Cat:
Unfortunately, fairly typical behavior by your landlord. The key here is to document each violation in a SEPARATE letter. Keep copies of the letters. Mention the real estate agent by name. If the letters start to come back "refused" by the landlord, send the letters to the real estate agent. She has a license to lose, the landlord does not.

 

[SeaCat]

Hey all,

Thanks.

(I just got a chance to come over here. Been doing online stuff so I can keep my C.N.A. Ticket. )

Let's see here. I have been documenting each violation, but now I will start sending a seperate letter to the landlord on each occasion. (I have also been including the time of the call as well as when they are going to be at the place. I have also been keeping track of who calls me and who is actually going to come over and show the house.)

As for the laws, I have downloaded and printed out not just the specific laws but the Florida Book of Tenant Rights. Maybe I should highlight the pertinant passages and staple the whole thing to my landlords Scrotum the next time I see him? (Tempting, tempting.)

Violence is always a consideration, but one of last resort. )Although it is tempting at times.)

One thing I have been considering is screening my calls. If a call comes in from a number not on my list of family or friends then I don't answer it. (Petty I know.) If they can't contact me then supposedly they can't show the place.

Cat