A reader writes in about trouble with her landlord. Can you help her?

" The Lying Landlord

I am in a unique situation. I pay a high monthly amount in rent $1900 for a plain 2b/2ba (I was desperate at the time) on time every time. The condo was kept clean. My landlord tells me in person that I am very nice and sweet. I was surprised I had been turned down for a few new homes until I found out he was giving bad references! One of the prospective realtors did not believe him and decided to check my home out. I feel my landlord is selfish and is sabotaging me so I can stay longer! What should I do?
Lorrie"

 

Seems to me if he is giving bad references and you can prove it you may be able to break the lease early but you will have to check the laws of the state you reside in. If not I would be sure to always keep my rent current and keep good records if he is doing you that way you may have trouble getting another place hope things get better for you.

you have rights that protect you from this ..call your local housing dept .

hmmmm sounds like the high rent is to pay his income that may pay for his high living,he has taking you for a ride bbreak the lease he sounds like bad news and if he keeps bashing you its verbal assult I sued an ex-brother inlaw for things like,verbal assult is to hurt you and emotionally hurt your reputation start keeping a record what he says to you and what about and what time of day and the year keep your openion on him out of the jerneal and feeling the way to get him on assult like this we got to keep your feelings out of the record that is kept and to get him is court if it comes down to it to break the lease and get out of there as soon as possible and quickly.

If he is making false statements to make you stay, that is liable and slander. Get your proof lined up in writing and go to the local police department and find out how to file charges. Then I would go back to every place I filled out an application and tell them what your landlord said and why.

I think Cheapchic is correct, he's afraid to lose your income.

Brandy:

My landlord tells me in person that I am very nice and sweet.

That's nice of him to say but Given what he's doing to you, this translates to saying you're probably unsuspecting and won't push back. I doubt you're his first victim nor will you be his last.

 In addition, I would take detailed pictures now and when you move out.  He is the type that will not want to give your deposit back.  Also, get record of all payments to proove a good payment history.

I would check your local laws; a friend of mine received poor references from an employer, found out about it, and, in checking the laws in her area, discovered it was illegal to make negative statements in a letter of reference.  This would, of course, vary from place to place, and also a job reference is a different situation - but you might find similar laws in your area.  And has already been mentioned - this is libel, and it is actionable.

What a terrible person! I agree with PP that she needs documentation. It's not enough to have a cashed check, he could hold it and cash it after the due date and say she paid late. She needs a receipt showing payment received and signed and dated by him. I agree that taking pictures or even having a neutral party walk through the apartment is a good idea. If he is slandering her character, who knows what he will say about the condition of the place.

As for a new place and references, if Lorrie has previous landlords, have them listed on the reference page. If 3 landlords give a good report and this guy gives a totally opposite report, it may raise a red flag like it did for a prospective realtor.

Lorrie does not say how long her lease is or how far into a lease she is. Contacting the housing authority may also help with this toxic situation. She may be taken advantage of (think extortion), especially if the rent is way too high for comparable condos.

Can she negotiate a lower rent? Or is it past that point?

mamasjob:

Lorrie does not say how long her lease is or how far into a lease she is.

Since she is applying for new homes, I would think her lease is up or close to it. I could be wrong, of course.

 

 

Thanks for making it more clear toni b.