by lauralisa 31 Replies latest jw friends
Sorry to hear about your perdikerment LL.
I bought my own house last Spring. Just a little thing, but I like it. Right now I'm in the middle of tearing up the carpet in the living room and my bedroom in favor of the hardwood floor underneath. Owning is cool. Best wishes for your search for a new place.
Yeah, life is so interesting, sometimes I feel like so lucky. NOT I definitely do not have an uninteresting life.!
Prisca, thanks - I could deal with this kind of junk really well when I was 20, but I don't have the patience for people "lording" their whatevers around at the expense of my being able to feel 'safe' in my own house without at least two years' notice anymore... I imagine that somehow I'll get past this though with enough leinenkugels !
Dana. Yes, I've got the fireplace blazing right now, well, in my dreams that is...*sigh* Someday.... you crack me up.... my learning curve was much longer -- give the UC a big hello for me. and the bay too.
Mary - the place is already pretty scary.... we have the most bizarre christmas tree in the world - sort of a testimony of poverty, in an "artistic expression" kind of way... yeah.
Dan - can't wait to rip up my own carpeting... it's fun and good for your cardiovascular whatever! I swear this is true but I can't remember how I know it. Hope you are well...
Rem - Hey, great elder-speak! Surrounded each day of his life, each hour, by noise and human-maintenance issues, the man quickly acquires and employs efficient techniques in order to ameliorate and/or minimize the materiel outlay (HE eats this cost) and its inevitable, complicated and lengthy resolution process. Reduction in the persistent, annoying humanoidous tendency to emote over normal daily events will result in a few more minutes per day of - having a few more minutes.....
Forgive me for being so direct. Thank you for your, uh, concern, but please be assured that I will be able to manage in a mature, coherent manner throughout this process..... I won't enjoy it very much, because I don't like it when complete strangers have control over my basic well-being - I especially don't like it when they actively threaten it. That's not going to happen to me again, ever. ever.
Some dork-wad is coming here tomorrow morning at 10..... hope they don't mind but I'm NOT giving them any cookies. As IF!
I hear what you are saying about not liking strangers in your house. I had to go through that when I stayed at my Moms home that she was selling, while she went on vacation. Even though it was her home, I still had my stuff laying all over the house that I had to "hide" every time I went to work. Then drag it all out again when I gone back from work. UGH.
I rent, too, and I don't like surprize visits by the management either. They are supposed to give a 24 hr notice, but sometimes the caretakers do not deliver the notices until late that night, so I find it the same day as I'm leaving for work. I scream. I sometimes just keep my private locking system on anyway.
NewLight2
Of The Private Class
hugs and understanding being sent your way....that is so awful for you both...
Your Rights as a Renter
15 Common Rights
In a perfect world, landlords and tenants would work together like a well-oiled machine, both generously doing their part to keep each other happy and not disturb their neighbors' "peaceful enjoyment of the premises," as phrased in Mississippi's landlord-tenant law.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In fact, lots of tenant-landlord relationships fit this descriptionbut we've all heard horror stories about the exceptions. And laws that protect both parties have become so complex that understanding your rights can be like herding cats. Since landlord-tenant law varies by state, the key is knowing your rightspreferably before you even sign your rental agreement. Understanding your state law and the terms of your lease are your best guarantees against future problems.
15 common renters' rights
Although renters' rights vary by region, many are pretty predictable. Here's a sample of rights likely to be addressed in your state's landlord-tenant law:
| 1. | The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to a tenant on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, or national origin. |
| 2. | Residential rental units should be habitable and in compliance with housing and health codesmeaning they should be structurally safe, sanitary, weatherproofed, and include adequate water, electricity, and heat. |
| 3. | Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits. (See http://www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/articles/lt/lt1.html to find out if yours is one of them.) |
| 4. | A landlord should make necessary repairs and perform maintenance tasks in a timely fashion, or include a provision in the lease stating that tenants can order repairs and deduct the cost from rent. |
| 5. | A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency. |
| 6. | Illegal provisions in a rental agreement (provisions counter to state law) are usually not enforceable in court. |
| 7. | If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease. |
| 8. | If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease. |
| 9. | Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions. |
| 10. | Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction. |
| 11. | Landlords usually can't legally seize a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent or any other reason, except in the case of abandonment as defined by law. |
| 12. | Landlords are legally prohibited from evicting tenants as retaliation for action a tenant takes related to a perceived landlord violation. |
| 13. | A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off (or cause to have shut off) your utilities, or evict you without notice; eviction requires a court order. |
| 14. | If a landlord makes life so miserable for you that it forces you to move, it may be considered "constructive eviction," which is usually grounds for legal action. |
| 15. | In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute. |
Protect Yourself
Before you move in, tour the premises with your landlord, and noteor better yet, photographany existing damage. When you move out, if your landlord withholds part of your damage deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges and the reason for the charges. If there's a discrepancy between this list and the one you made before moving in, let the landlord know immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord, as well as dated records of phone and in-person conversations.
If you have a dispute
If your landlord takes an action that is illegal in your state or neglects a legality, you probably have grounds for legal action, but consider court as a last resort. First make every effort to resolve the problem by talking with your landlord. This is the simplest and least expensive approach to mediating disputes.
If the problem continues, enlist the help of a neutral party or a mediator. Mediators are usually publicly funded and available free or at low cost. To find out whether mediators are available in your area, contact your mayor's or city manager's office and ask to talk with someone about housing disputes or landlord-tenant mediation.
If all else fails, you can take financial complaints to small claims court, provided your claim is under a specified amount. Before you take this step, be sure to look up local law regarding your responsibility for attorney fees. Most larger cities offer free or low-cost legal support for tenants in case of a property dispute. You can also contact your state bar association to ask about its lawyer referral program, or check with local service agencies to find out about inexpensive legal clinics.
Resources
The following resources provide landlord-tenant information or assistance.
In your local phone book:
Found the hope it helps.
Xandria
Your Rights as a Renter
15 Common Rights
In a perfect world, landlords and tenants would work together like a well-oiled machine, both generously doing their part to keep each other happy and not disturb their neighbors' "peaceful enjoyment of the premises," as phrased in Mississippi's landlord-tenant law.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In fact, lots of tenant-landlord relationships fit this descriptionbut we've all heard horror stories about the exceptions. And laws that protect both parties have become so complex that understanding your rights can be like herding cats. Since landlord-tenant law varies by state, the key is knowing your rightspreferably before you even sign your rental agreement. Understanding your state law and the terms of your lease are your best guarantees against future problems.
15 common renters' rights
Although renters' rights vary by region, many are pretty predictable. Here's a sample of rights likely to be addressed in your state's landlord-tenant law:
| 1. | The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to a tenant on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, or national origin. |
| 2. | Residential rental units should be habitable and in compliance with housing and health codesmeaning they should be structurally safe, sanitary, weatherproofed, and include adequate water, electricity, and heat. |
| 3. | Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits. (See http://www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/articles/lt/lt1.html to find out if yours is one of them.) |
| 4. | A landlord should make necessary repairs and perform maintenance tasks in a timely fashion, or include a provision in the lease stating that tenants can order repairs and deduct the cost from rent. |
| 5. | A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency. |
| 6. | Illegal provisions in a rental agreement (provisions counter to state law) are usually not enforceable in court. |
| 7. | If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease. |
| 8. | If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease. |
| 9. | Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions. |
| 10. | Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction. |
| 11. | Landlords usually can't legally seize a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent or any other reason, except in the case of abandonment as defined by law. |
| 12. | Landlords are legally prohibited from evicting tenants as retaliation for action a tenant takes related to a perceived landlord violation. |
| 13. | A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off (or cause to have shut off) your utilities, or evict you without notice; eviction requires a court order. |
| 14. | If a landlord makes life so miserable for you that it forces you to move, it may be considered "constructive eviction," which is usually grounds for legal action. |
| 15. | In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute. |
Protect Yourself
Before you move in, tour the premises with your landlord, and noteor better yet, photographany existing damage. When you move out, if your landlord withholds part of your damage deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges and the reason for the charges. If there's a discrepancy between this list and the one you made before moving in, let the landlord know immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord, as well as dated records of phone and in-person conversations.
If you have a dispute
If your landlord takes an action that is illegal in your state or neglects a legality, you probably have grounds for legal action, but consider court as a last resort. First make every effort to resolve the problem by talking with your landlord. This is the simplest and least expensive approach to mediating disputes.
If the problem continues, enlist the help of a neutral party or a mediator. Mediators are usually publicly funded and available free or at low cost. To find out whether mediators are available in your area, contact your mayor's or city manager's office and ask to talk with someone about housing disputes or landlord-tenant mediation.
If all else fails, you can take financial complaints to small claims court, provided your claim is under a specified amount. Before you take this step, be sure to look up local law regarding your responsibility for attorney fees. Most larger cities offer free or low-cost legal support for tenants in case of a property dispute. You can also contact your state bar association to ask about its lawyer referral program, or check with local service agencies to find out about inexpensive legal clinics.
Resources
The following resources provide landlord-tenant information or assistance.
In your local phone book:
Found the hope it helps.
Xandria
Your Rights as a Renter
15 Common Rights
In a perfect world, landlords and tenants would work together like a well-oiled machine, both generously doing their part to keep each other happy and not disturb their neighbors' "peaceful enjoyment of the premises," as phrased in Mississippi's landlord-tenant law.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In fact, lots of tenant-landlord relationships fit this descriptionbut we've all heard horror stories about the exceptions. And laws that protect both parties have become so complex that understanding your rights can be like herding cats. Since landlord-tenant law varies by state, the key is knowing your rightspreferably before you even sign your rental agreement. Understanding your state law and the terms of your lease are your best guarantees against future problems.
15 common renters' rights
Although renters' rights vary by region, many are pretty predictable. Here's a sample of rights likely to be addressed in your state's landlord-tenant law:
| 1. | The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to a tenant on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, or national origin. |
| 2. | Residential rental units should be habitable and in compliance with housing and health codesmeaning they should be structurally safe, sanitary, weatherproofed, and include adequate water, electricity, and heat. |
| 3. | Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits. (See http://www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/articles/lt/lt1.html to find out if yours is one of them.) |
| 4. | A landlord should make necessary repairs and perform maintenance tasks in a timely fashion, or include a provision in the lease stating that tenants can order repairs and deduct the cost from rent. |
| 5. | A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency. |
| 6. | Illegal provisions in a rental agreement (provisions counter to state law) are usually not enforceable in court. |
| 7. | If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease. |
| 8. | If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease. |
| 9. | Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions. |
| 10. | Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction. |
| 11. | Landlords usually can't legally seize a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent or any other reason, except in the case of abandonment as defined by law. |
| 12. | Landlords are legally prohibited from evicting tenants as retaliation for action a tenant takes related to a perceived landlord violation. |
| 13. | A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off (or cause to have shut off) your utilities, or evict you without notice; eviction requires a court order. |
| 14. | If a landlord makes life so miserable for you that it forces you to move, it may be considered "constructive eviction," which is usually grounds for legal action. |
| 15. | In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute. |
Protect Yourself
Before you move in, tour the premises with your landlord, and noteor better yet, photographany existing damage. When you move out, if your landlord withholds part of your damage deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges and the reason for the charges. If there's a discrepancy between this list and the one you made before moving in, let the landlord know immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord, as well as dated records of phone and in-person conversations.
If you have a dispute
If your landlord takes an action that is illegal in your state or neglects a legality, you probably have grounds for legal action, but consider court as a last resort. First make every effort to resolve the problem by talking with your landlord. This is the simplest and least expensive approach to mediating disputes.
If the problem continues, enlist the help of a neutral party or a mediator. Mediators are usually publicly funded and available free or at low cost. To find out whether mediators are available in your area, contact your mayor's or city manager's office and ask to talk with someone about housing disputes or landlord-tenant mediation.
If all else fails, you can take financial complaints to small claims court, provided your claim is under a specified amount. Before you take this step, be sure to look up local law regarding your responsibility for attorney fees. Most larger cities offer free or low-cost legal support for tenants in case of a property dispute. You can also contact your state bar association to ask about its lawyer referral program, or check with local service agencies to find out about inexpensive legal clinics.
Resources
The following resources provide landlord-tenant information or assistance.
In your local phone book:
Found the hope it helps.
Xandria
Wow ! 3 times for emphasis! That information must REALLY be good! :)
Laura, best wishes as you weather yet another of life's storms....Of course for moral support you are required to attend the upcoming apostofest...don't forsake the gathering of yourselves together, especially as you see the end of the WT organization drawing near!!
Wow, thanks New Light & ugg...
Xandria - thank YOU... good stuff there. I seriously doubt if this situation will get so awful that we'll need to have a major thing over it... I really want to PREVENT something from REALLY freaking me out though. In the past I've trusted people to be good to their word, keep things 'cool' in general, etc/ and have been horrified by how easily it is for them to toss any "understandings" without an eyeblink.
It has been a rough year, and this latest little shake-up sucks, but I think everything's gonna turn out well, as soon as someone sends me several hundred thousand dollars, which should happen any minute now. HAHHAHHAAAHHAA
Thanks again - lauralisa
We rented several houses before we bought in 87... and all of them were for sale while we lived in them. We made sure that were were given notice so we could pick up around the place.
All of the landlords dealt with us nicely, and even let us out of our lease early when we asked. When we looked at the rent vs mortgage costs, we bought.
I did have one asshole landlord... when he gave me grief, I asked kim privatley if he had fire insurance.... never had a worry from him again.
Animal
