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What if landlord is making false allegations?

By Tenant

My landlord is changing property management and word has it that he is trying to evict all of us so he can rent the place to new tenants but with higher rent. I thought it was only talk but one day, I came home to find a notice on my door saying that I was involved in some illegal drug activity. The letter even went on to saying that all my friends and family who are visiting are involved in such an activity too. I don’t know where that is coming from. I also noticed that my neighbors have gotten the same notices. I know it’s from the property manager since the heading is from the property management.



My mind was telling me to barge into the property manager’s office and shout all I want but reason got the better of me. Yes, I was able to resolve the issue but with a few external help. Here’s how I did it:

  1. I wrote a reply letter to the landlord denying allegations of criminal activity. In the letter, I touched the following points:
    1. That the allegations are false and ill-founded
    2. That if the management has proof of these allegations, the police should be immediately notified.
    3. That I would like to invoke my right for the quiet enjoyment of my home.
    4. That the landlord has to be careful with their accusations because they could be in violation of the law.
  2. I produced two copies of the response letter.
  3. I hand-delivered the letters to the apartment manager. I had him sign one letter with his name and designation as well as the date and time the letter was received. The received copy will be added to my records while the other copy will be theirs.

Do not do any of the following:

  • Do not barge into the property manager’s office, shouting all the insults that you can muster. Your landlord may just find a good reason to evict you if you do this.
  • Do not reply through a phone call. You need to leave a paper trail behind.
  • Do not move out and break your lease agreement. You might be subject to penalties and other fines.

When should you file for a complaint?

You would need to seek external help if your property management continues to insist your involvement in alleged illegal activities. Remember, you cannot just break your lease agreement without following a process. Yes, you can hire a lawyer but that would cost you. A mediator like the RPA can step in and negotiate with your landlord for a cheaper solution to your problem. Here’s the link that you can use: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/complaint_center.php

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Edited on: Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 2:11 am
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15 Responses to “What if landlord is making false allegations?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Kendall

February 27th, 2013 1:20 am

If that happened to me, I would go livid. I wouldn?t want anyone accusing me, my friends and family members a thing as grave as that.


Rosia

February 27th, 2013 1:40 pm

Here in California, it’s difficult to know if a tenant has illegal drugs in the apartment because the city and state has provisions for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. So I would really advise that your landlord be careful when treading these waters. You can file a lawsuit against him so he could get in trouble.

Les

February 28th, 2013 1:40 am

I would go to an attorney ASAP. I’ve read of a 68 year old woman who was also arrested because she happened to be living in the same apartment complex with a bunch of drug users. So you have to get to the root of the problem fast.


Marisela

February 28th, 2013 1:20 pm

Isn’t possible that somebody could just be playing a cruel joke on you and your neighbors?

Kareem

March 1st, 2013 1:00 am

The letter head was the property manager’s so it could be true. Maybe the management really intends to evict everyone just to rent the place for a higher price. It happens, you know. Sometimes, landlords can get really bad.


Jay

March 1st, 2013 1:20 pm

I don’t know.. It seems rather illogical to evict everyone and then look for new tenants. The landlord can increase the rent after the lease agreement expires so why not just wait for the expiration of leases? And it’s easy to copy the proeprty manager’s letter head.

Ji

March 2nd, 2013 1:20 am

How was the letter left? Was it enclosed in an envelope or just stuck to the door? It seems very unprofessional for your property manager to just stick sensitive notices to doors and then leave them there for all your neighnbors to see.

Kiyoko

March 2nd, 2013 1:05 pm

Maybe the apartment manager is just covering their butts for possible injuries and damages that may be caused by drug dealers in the apartment complex. It’s also a possibility. Maybe this is just a subtle way of telling you that there are drug dealers in your building.

Sherilyn

March 3rd, 2013 1:20 am

Yes or maybe the apartment manager knows there are drug dealers but they just couldn’t point to a specific tenant.


Hortensia

March 3rd, 2013 1:20 pm

So what? They’re sending everyone letters just hoping that the drug dealers would step out and claim it? Bad move.


Prince

March 4th, 2013 1:40 am

No matter what the intentions are, remaining calm is the best way to find a resolution to this problem.


Oma

March 4th, 2013 1:40 pm

Send that response letter then wait for your lease to expire. Once it expires, send a notice to move and then be done with that landlord.


Ebony

March 5th, 2013 2:00 am

I had almost a similar experience. But the weird thing was, they wrote something on my letter when I sent it to them. I didn’t get the chance to read what they wrote because all I was concerned was that I clear my name.


Claude

March 5th, 2013 2:20 pm

They edited your letter to make you look like you’re the guilty party. I hope you kept a copy of the letter you sent them.


Judi

March 6th, 2013 2:40 am

A blanket letter saying that there are drug dealers in your apartment complex is one thing but accusing everyone in your property is another thing. I think they’ve just crossed the line.


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