RPA Tenant Rights Blog » Landlord Problems » Refused to fix/repair A/C during worst heatwave in North Carolina’s recent history

Refused to fix/repair A/C during worst heatwave in North Carolina’s recent history

By Tricia Foster

ouple of issues:

I received an offer from a very good company in RTP, NC; however, I needed to find a place quickly and transfer from FL.  On Craigslist there was an ad for a 6 month stay at a townhouse located close to work.  It was a shared roommate scenario.  I was asked to provide a full backgrround check (it costs me $30) and to send a $900 deposit check ($100 pet – refundable, $700 security, $100 prorated rent for the 1st month.
The agreement was to pay the 2nd month in coordination with my payroll check (18th of the month).  Fast forward she started acting very bizarre early on- every single item in a 3 floor townhouse had to be unplugged before leaving the house, no lights on at night, washer & dryer turned off at the circuit board to prevent using, turning A/C temperature up at night into the 80’s.  One truly bizarre night SW calls the cops because a friend had left a quiche in a grocery bag – although she looked in the bag to see it was food, her argument for calling the cops was there was no note (I almost cannot believe I am typing this crazy stuff but this one is completely insane)
I requested a discussion around these issues and SW said I had to be move (this was on the 14th on the month).  Then two days later, she said I had to be out on the 27th as she had another roommate moving in.  I told her I would start looking but my departure date would be based on when I could transition into another location with a pet (my twenty year cat).
Immediately after that conversation SW cut the A/C during the hottest heat wave in recent North Carolina history, no working electrical outlets in my bathroom, turned the circuit off at the stove, microwave, washer, dryer (effectively preventing me from using any appliancs).  I have pictures of the internal temperature at almost 90 degrees at 10:30 at night.
Ironically SW demanded the rent on the 18th – I told her to file a complaint through the legal process so the decision could be made througha judge.  Clearly she made her intent on keeping my security deposit clear (by claiming all kinds of damage although I do have pictures and a witness who will speak in court to that issue)  Then she claimed I did not have a written lease and I was only a guest in her home.
Fast forward I did find a place and moved out (costing me a considerable amount of money) given it was such short notice – now she is claiming I stole a list of items.  My question remains can I file a "wrongful eviction" suit against her?  It is my understanding in NC that with appropriate proof (I have a series of emails and notes showing her increasing bad behavior and deliberate harassment) that I may be able to obtain a judgment of 3X the damage, attorney fees and associated costs.
My preference is to simply leave it behind me but she has already sent threatening legal paperwork to Cisco and unfortunately given her mental unstability I would suspect the harassment will simply continue.
Any advice as to what to do and the process within NC would be appreciated – I am located in Raleigh, NC.  Thank you.
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Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(

YARPP

Edited on: Saturday, July 28th, 2012 9:39 pm
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Refused to fix/repair A/C during worst heatwave in North Carolina’s recent history

By Tricia Foster

Couple of issues:

I received an offer from a very good company in RTP, NC; however, I needed to find a place quickly and transfer from FL.  On Craigslist there was an ad for a 6 month stay at a townhouse located close to work.  It was a shared roommate scenario.  I was asked to provide a full backgrround check (it costs me $30) and to send a $900 deposit check ($100 pet – refundable, $700 security, $100 prorated rent for the 1st month.
The agreement was to pay the 2nd month in coordination with my payroll check (18th of the month).  Fast forward she started acting very bizarre early on- every single item in a 3 floor townhouse had to be unplugged before leaving the house, no lights on at night, washer & dryer turned off at the circuit board to prevent using, turning A/C temperature up at night into the 80’s.  One truly bizarre night SW calls the cops because a friend had left a quiche in a grocery bag – although she looked in the bag to see it was food, her argument for calling the cops was there was no note (I almost cannot believe I am typing this crazy stuff but this one is completely insane)
I requested a discussion around these issues and SW said I had to be move (this was on the 14th on the month).  Then two days later, she said I had to be out on the 27th as she had another roommate moving in.  I told her I would start looking but my departure date would be based on when I could transition into another location with a pet (my twenty year cat).
Immediately after that conversation SW cut the A/C during the hottest heat wave in recent North Carolina history, no working electrical outlets in my bathroom, turned the circuit off at the stove, microwave, washer, dryer (effectively preventing me from using any appliancs).  I have pictures of the internal temperature at almost 90 degrees at 10:30 at night.
Ironically SW demanded the rent on the 18th – I told her to file a complaint through the legal process so the decision could be made througha judge.  Clearly she made her intent on keeping my security deposit clear (by claiming all kinds of damage although I do have pictures and a witness who will speak in court to that issue)  Then she claimed I did not have a written lease and I was only a guest in her home.
Fast forward I did find a place and moved out (costing me a considerable amount of money) given it was such short notice – now she is claiming I stole a list of items.  My question remains can I file a "wrongful eviction" suit against her?  It is my understanding in NC that with appropriate proof (I have a series of emails and notes showing her increasing bad behavior and deliberate harassment) that I may be able to obtain a judgment of 3X the damage, attorney fees and associated costs.
My preference is to simply leave it behind me but she has already sent threatening legal paperwork to Cisco and unfortunately given her mental unstability I would suspect the harassment will simply continue.
Any advice as to what to do and the process within NC would be appreciated – I am located in Raleigh, NC.  Thank you.
Pin It
Email
Print

Related posts:

Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(

YARPP

Edited on: Saturday, July 28th, 2012 9:38 pm
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