Can I sue my landlord?

By Tammy

Hello.  The police came to my house on a civil matter that had nothing to do with my situation and while they were there, they noticed that the electricity was hooked up illegally.  They contacted code enforcement and when they came out to the property, they said everyone had to leave because of no utilities.  They were somewhat fair and allowed us to take as much of our property as we could at that time and even told us that we could come by in the daylight hours (it was almost dark at that time) and remove our belongings from the property until the issue with the utilities was resolved.  Its not the best neighborhood so we were concerned with people stealing our things so we were trying to remove as much of our property as we could.  This went on for a little over a week and several times when we went to the property, we were told to leave by a woman who is somewhat of a property manager for the actual owner.  We never could get the remainder of our belongings from the property and then the owner of the property and the people working for him went to the location and loaded all of our property onto a truck and took it to the dump.  We were never contacted or given any kind of notice or eviction papers from the owner and now we have lost everything.  Is there anything I can do about this matter legally?

lightsoff May 27th, 2012 6:26 pm

Yes, you can sue your landlord. Things he illegaly did. 1. Rented the house with no utilities 2. Kicked you out of the house with no eviction notice 3. Took all your stuff away

Joseane June 12th, 2012 12:06 am

If you get a contract wetitrn up and KEEP a copy, he CAN’T sell the property next month. He is legally contracted to keep you as his tenant for the whole 6 months. If he wants to sell, he must give you 2 months notice but this cannot be before 4 months have passed. You are legally allowed to stay there for 6 months in total, even if he wants to sell at the end of that time. He will not be able to throw you out.He’s just trying to safeguard his income. As you work in temp. employment, your wages could vary each month. He is worried that you might not be able to pay the rent some months. If you CAN afford to pay the rent up front, then go for it. It will make no difference anyway you will also be legally obliged to pay rent for 6 months. You wouldn’t be able to move out after 3, 4 or 5 months.If you can’t afford it, there’s nothing you can do but try elsewhere and hope that they don’t mind you being in temp. employment!Good luck! xx Emmie

can i sue my landlord?

By dawn boutwell

Landlord’s fault house fire!!

rented a room in our landlords 2 br house. had seperate entrance and questionable wiring at best. On july 5th, 2011 woke up to house on fire, it completely burned to the ground and fire marshall claims it started in landlords part of house due to faulty wiring. We lost everything we own, like my laptop, etc. which I have receipts for and were forced to leave due to the house being uninhabitable due to fire. Landlord refused to return any portion of July’s rent I had paid(i have receipts) or to provide us with temporary housing. I am on SSI and only get $674 a month leaving me homeless and penniless until i get ssi check next month. can i sue him for july’s rent and replacement of what we lost in fire? He hashomeowners insurance

Halyey July 19th, 2011 10:45 am

Hi Dawn. I am sorry for what happened. I am afraid as well that the landlord’s insurance will not cover you property. The landlord’s policy only covers the dwelling and not the contents. However, if you know who set the fire, you may be able to make a claim for restitution against them. I believe you have a renter’s insurance, well in most states they have less than 15 bucks in a month. If you like, you can file a complaint from RPA or the rental protection agency, their agents will try to contact your landlord and ask for the compensation you would like to get. You take care Dawn.

can i sue my landlord?

By dawn boutwell

Landlord’s fault house fire!!

rented a room in our landlords 2 br house. had seperate entrance and questionable wiring at best. On july 5th, 2011 woke up to house on fire, it completely burned to the ground and fire marshall claims it started in landlords part of house due to faulty wiring. We lost everything we own, like my laptop, etc. which I have receipts for and were forced to leave due to the house being uninhabitable due to fire. Landlord refused to return any portion of July’s rent I had paid(i have receipts) or to provide us with temporary housing. I am on SSI and only get $674 a month leaving me homeless and penniless until i get ssi check next month. can i sue him for july’s rent and replacement of what we lost in fire? He hashomeowners insurance