Send Positive Energies My Way: Think My Landlord Is Pulling Crap on Me
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
September 28, 2009 7:57pm CST
Okay, I could use some positive energies coming my way as my landlord may be pulling some shat on me. Bear with me as there is a lot to explain
Anyone who knows me, knows that in the past my mother created a, uh, "slight" problem..that being an overpopulation cat problem in which we were threatened with eviction twice, first in 2001 and in 2006...the last court case lasted from March of 2006 til October 2006---I won as the "problem" had actually been resolved on Friday, May 19, 2009 when I was able to place the last of the "extra" cats to a great pet rescuer. The stipulation agreement between my landlord and myself states I can have no more than two cats...okay, I've been complying all this time and do indeed only have two cats.
For the past three years, I've kept a low profile as I just plain don't want anymore crap in my life. For three years, I've sent money orders for my rent via Certified Mail, so number one, I would have records that I did indeed send the rent, and two by sending Certified Mail I also have records AND can track my letter with my money order. Usually, when I send the certified letter with my rent it's delivered the very next day, or if not a notice is left for an attempt to deliver--and usually within a day or so, it IS picked up--so things have been going swimmingly UNTIL NOW.
On Thursday, September 3rd, I mailed off my money order for my rent via Certified Mail as always. By tracking it on the computer at the USPS website, an attempt to deliver was made on September 4th, but no one was there to accept it so a notice was left. Then the Labor Day weekend cropped up--so I figured okay, they will probably pick it up on that following Tuesday or Wednesday...nope didn't. I kept tracking it hoping that eventually someone would pick it up. Then on September 14th I rattled out a letter to them (no didn't send it certified) so not only wrote a letter, but sent copies of all my documentation that I did indeed send my money order for my rent. By cross mail, I get a letter from the landlord stating that my rent was past due and tacked on a $20.00 late fee. Once more I sent a letter...yes, yes, I know, I could call (like duh)--but this way I have something in writing.
Okay so more time is passing....by tracking on the USPS website now the status of my certified letter with my money order is now "Unclaimed" which means I'll get the letter sent back..I HOPE..so far I haven't.
Okay background info on my landlord...he's a sleaze...scumbag....I was talking to another tenant who said the landlord approached him and offered $3,500 to him if he would move out..why? Just so the landlord could get more money for the apartment. Now I'm wondering, is the landlord purposely pulling a number on me? Since I've lived here since 1961, my rent is VERY low..probably the lowest in the building--I pay $529 a month...if I move he could probably get nearly double that--in fact one time I was talking to my putz super about the apt. directly below me as it's been vacant for two months...the landlord is asking $1,050.00 for it...AND IT'S SMALLER than mine.
When rent time comes again the first, I plan to mail my money order Priority Mail, certified and return request receipt....AND if I find he's not picking that one up then I know something's up. I'm also beginning to wonder if I might need legal help here---I DID NOTHING WRONG...but like I said, I'm wondering if the landlord is trying to pull some kind of crap on me to make it look like I'm not paying my rent.
so any of you folks have any advice for me...and like I said...send positive energies that this crap can be resolved. And, yes I do plan to call his office
Okay....has anyone else dealt with problems with their landlord, did he/she purposely create a problem...did he/she ever try to "bribe" you to move out by offering money? (Which of course just HAS to be illegal)
Nuts, just when things were calming down in my life
14 people like this
34 responses
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I've actually picked up a lot of information on rent control in New York by watching TV. From that information and what you have said here I wouldn't be a bit surprised if your landlord wasn't under orders to get all the low renters out so he can raise the rent.
I think your sending your rent by certified mail was a genius move on your part. Even if he hasn't picked it up the post office has a record of when and how many attempts they made to deliver it.
By all means you are going to need legal representation because if this is starting it won't stop easily.
Keep us informed because we care about you.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I'm going to post this same discussion over at the TenantNet.com place and see what folks there say--some are lawyers that work over there at that website. And get this. When my grandmother, mother and I moved here in 1961, the landlord then was merely a painter for the building..how he became landlord I'll never know...now he's not only the landlord here but has other apts AND get this...has casino resort hotels on some of the Greek isles...he's filthy rich
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Just WHY do they say that? That something is rotten in Denmark??
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
29 Sep 09
Hiya Pye. I think the return receipt is very useful in your situation and I would advise that for this scenario definitely for your upcoming rent. Sorry that you had to go through all of these and it's just a real bummer when things like this happen.
Even so knowing that there are people that are just ugh..don't know what to say. Here's a youtube link song for you and hope it cheers up your day. It's a cute video and I like the singer very much; her voice is very melodic.
Official video sung by Colbie Caillat: (not referral link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNjn9V_IKw&feature=fvst
Official video sung by Colbie Caillat: (not referral link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNjn9V_IKw&feature=fvst
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Oct 09
Well by now I've done updates about all this--I resent my September rent and this time it was "officially" delivered...so see what happens when I send the October rent...and thanks for that youtube video link
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
29 Sep 09
First of all, I would not pay the late fee. It does unfortunately sound like he is trying to pull something. I am not sure what. I would do what you said you are going to do and you are very smart for keeping things. If there is a problem with the next one, I would call and talk to a lawyer, most will talk to you for free or very little.
3 people like this
@babyangie27 (5176)
• United States
29 Sep 09
yes don't pay that late fee if you do,he can show the court that by you paying the late fee you basically admitted you were wrong,and you were not.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Believe me I have NO intention of paying that late fee as technically speaking I wasn't late...I have each item dated as proof, like the money order has the September 3rd date on it, as well as the receipts...Yup I have the smarts to keep everything
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
29 Sep 09
SOunds like he is pulling crap as he hasnt picked up the letter with your rent in it.
andas you have all the proof ya need that it had been sent and all . Yup think he is pulling a fast one and you might just need to get a lawyer on this.
Sending energies your way that all will be resolved soon!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Never a dull moment with me though, right? LOL
I'll wait and see what happens when I send in my next rent...if the same thing happens then I know he's pulling crap on me and have a number of ideas of whom to contact
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
29 Sep 09
no, never had that problem but I practically had to pull teeth to get a year lease with A.L. Moyer that forced the University to honor it when they bought the property - that gave the former roomie and I (and my parents I might add) 8 months to find a place to live that I could afford - ended up with my parents buying the house I now live in and I rented it from my mom all these years
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
29 Sep 09
actually, my brother is acting as landlord now, and he's a lot pickier than my mom was (but we don't get along at the best of times) so you can imagine - I mean, I had emergency surgery last year and he B*tched that the rent was late, tho we made it up before the first of the year and the later part was going to taxes that he didn't get before the first of the year anyway! so the loan payment was always covered
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Is your mom a tough landlord?
I just posted some of the ideas here at this TenantNet.com forum to see if someone could give me advice and if I might have to start thinking in legal actions...crap hope not
I just posted some of the ideas here at this TenantNet.com forum to see if someone could give me advice and if I might have to start thinking in legal actions...crap hope not2 people like this
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I've never really had trouble with a landlord that I can remember right now. I agree with what you're thinking and he's trying to pull a number on you. Everything you've been doing is right because documentation doesn't lie.
If he isn't accepting your letters then there isn't anything much you can do; however, you've paid your rent this way for a long time so if he tries to pull funny business then you have all the documentation to back up anything you need to do with housing authorities. I hate it that you continue to have problems Pye. I really do!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Thank goodness I'm a neurotic perfectionist and bit of a pack rat..
lol...I STILL have all the receipts of sending my rent for the past three years..actually more. If I see he isn't picking up my next rent money then I'll KNOW he's up to something--and have several places of thinking to contact
2 people like this
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
29 Sep 09
hi..
not sure how things work overthere, but here.. most of the time - there is 'contract' for renting a place - usually the rental period is for a year - you need to renew the contract annually - and most of the time.. the landlord takes the opportunity to 'raise' the rent every year..
but the contract also usually states that either party can terminate their contract, or intention of not to renew their contract, with 2-months notice.. meaning, the landlord could simply tell the tenant to find another place, 2-months in advance.. 
.. and since it is all in 'writing'.. the tenants cant argue, can they?..
but the contract also usually states that either party can terminate their contract, or intention of not to renew their contract, with 2-months notice.. meaning, the landlord could simply tell the tenant to find another place, 2-months in advance.. .. and since it is all in 'writing'.. the tenants cant argue, can they?..2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
There are a lot of complicated issues here. By law I AM the legal tenant here even though the original lease was in my grandmother's name when we rented the place way back in 1961...and yes, each year the rent went up. There is a legal understanding that I have the right to live here even though now both my grandmother and mother are deceased AND the landlord has been accepting my rent all this time...so like why the problem now????????
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Sep 09
I will send positive energies your way. Why doesn't your landlord just up the rent every January like normal people and let the people who live there decide whether they want to stay or not? Has your landlord moved? Gone on vacation? Is there a tenant/landlord council or something where you live? In the letter he sent you, was the return address still the same and was the postal stamp from the same zip code or postal code? There isn't a tenant/landlord council where I live, but there is one in the college town nearby. What are the laws about recording a conversation where you live? You may still be able to call him and record the conversation. You may not. Depends on the laws. Some places only one person has to know the conversation is being recorded, in some states, you must say, this conversation may be recorded or is being recorded. At any rate, time to find a new apartment. Other than at college, I've pretty much have owned my own place. I did rent for a few months an efficiency at a motel, but that was pretty straight forward. Good luck and take care. Hope this is resolved soon.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 09
The letter his office sent to me has the same address as has been for I don't know how many years...maybe over thirty. He doesn't actually "work" there (too busy basking in his Long Island estate)---but just about every relative of his works there including his wife, son, and daughter in law. Mmmm...record a phone conversation...I don't have anything to record on...LOL. As far as finding a new apt? Forget that. I pay relatively low rent since I've lived here for so long while the average rent around my area is over $1,000 a month and I'm on SSI benefits
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Oct 09
In my neck of the woods they have low income apartment housing called The Projects...they are usually in the worse crime-infested areas, and anyway there usually is a minimum three YEAR wait to get into one
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Sep 09
Can you get a HUD apartment or some kind of apartment that does your rent based on income? I wouldn't record without checking with a lawyer first and it sounds like you can't because you don't have any kind of recorder.
1 person likes this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Wow Pye, here we go again.
All I can say is, at least you have proof which is the most important part of this case. He can't say you didn't send the rent, it's all documented thanks to your genius plan of sending it certified. It's not your fault he didn't pick it up, that's bull, and yes, it sounds like he's pulling some garbage.
You just can't get thrown out for nothing. And, if I remember correctly, wasn't there something in writing about your rent not going up or something along those lines?
I'm very curious to see what that website you mentioned has to say. Please keep in touch.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I sent an email to my local Congressman...once before a representative of his office helped me out tremendously...so maybe she can give me advice--hope so
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168256)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Sep 09
Wow! Pye, have you read the Murphy's laws. It is a fun site. Here is the link: http://www.murphys-laws.com/ You need all the laughs you can get right now, my dear friend. First off I would send anything I send this person by way of Certified Mail. I would contact the USPS and see what you might do in the future, just incase there is something else you can do. Probably not but doesn't hurt to check from every direction. I would also call him. Keep a log of when you call, all or any dealings you have with him, all alleged things your neighbors have told you. In my area we have a Legal Aid that actually helps people with rental issues. I would check online for any info on this man or any dealings by him. I would not spread any bad words about him. Your fellow tenants may be more apt to stand by him than you in the long run. People have to look out for themselves first. So it may be a good plan to not spread anything negative to neighbors or people who live near by. Do your homework, Missy. You won't be sorry. See if BBB could be of help. If they have any past info on the guy. Oh, and one last thought that I was thinking being you wrote about him maybe trying to get to move so he could get more rent.......it has been my experience in this neck of the woods that people might try to sell the whole building to some big firm that is buying up land. Probably not but just my thoughts as they come. Good luck to you and hope you will keep us posted. Positive Karma coming each night and morning as I do my meditations. Good luck!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I did try to get the Certified letter with my money order redelivered from my end of it but found out I couldn't...it would have been up to someone in the landlord's office to request for a redelivery or for his azz to go over to the post office where the letter is...he's in an entirely different neighborhood than me so a different post office than mine. I could send a letter (like the ones I've already done but not sent certified) with all the documented proof via certified but how do I know he'll pick that up?
As for any of the tenants sticking up for him...ARE YOU KIDDING?? They all think he's a sleaze....
As for any of the tenants sticking up for him...ARE YOU KIDDING?? They all think he's a sleaze....
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
29 Sep 09
Hi pye,
I think you sould get legal advice to safe guard yourself, as you have the all the paper work to prove that you have paid, yes I think maybe he is pulling a fast one on you. I and sending you positive energies your way.
Bright Blessings.
Tamara
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I'm going to send my October rent not only certified but Priority Mail and return receipt...if I notice it's not being picked up again then I know he's pulling crap on me...have a few ideas of whom to contact...just in case
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
29 Sep 09
For paying your rent this month, I would recommend using Fed Ex or UPS Priority. USPS loses more mail than you can imagine. They attemptod to deliver on the 4th, but where has it been since then? Can you call your local post office and ask that it be returned to you? Or, if you have to put in a lost claim, what kind of time frame does that take? Can you tack on the late fees (to your claim) that you are incurring because it hasn't been delivered? An attempt should have been made the 1st business day after Labor Day, then you wouldn't be having this problem.
Your landlord does sound like a R.P.I.T.A., so you might have to pay again for September, then when he gets the check, apply that to the following months rent. As tough as it is to come up with that extra money, it would be far tougher to find a new place to live for that kind of money. You must have rent control through the housing authority? Would they be able to assist you in any way? If nothing else to give time for that check to appear?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
There's no WAY in the world I could afford the fees that something like FedEx or UPS charges.
Okay when they attempted to deliver the certified letter and no one was there to accept it (the landlord's office closes at 4:00 p.m...the attempt to deliver was 4:43p.m.)--the postman will leave the notice and the letter goes to the local post office NEAR the landlord...so a different post office in a different neighborhood than me altogether. I did try to get it redelivered from my end of it but found out I couldn't--to redeliver THEY, the landlord would have to request a redelivery or pick his azz up and go to his post office to pick it up
How the HELL can I pay again for September? That was a money order...not a check. I'm on SSI benefits and just have enough to pay rent and other bills for each month so no way do I have "extra" to repay. Yes, if that god forbid money order is missing in action I can put a claim for it but have no idea how long it would take to get reimbursed
I already rattled out an email to my Congressman, or at least the representative that helped me before...maybe she can come up with some ideas...she might represent me and call my landlord..bet he'll piss in his pants by getting a call from a Congressman's office...and yes, plan to contact the housing dept. as well
@moarmoney4me (44)
• United States
29 Sep 09
If he does try to pull something, you should seriously consider legal action. Of course, best-case scenario would be that nothing happens and you're just being paranoid.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I hope it's just my being paranoid and nothing will happen...but do have ideas of whom to contact if need be
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
30 Sep 09
Wow, sounds like you have the landlord from hell. Do you have Legal Aid in your state? You should see if they would represent you. Sometimes they do it for little or nothing. This is definitely a civil suit in the works. Good luck to you!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 09
I did an update of sorts, and mention about the legal aid system we have here..it sucks big time--just try to get help from them
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
30 Sep 09
oh hell no.
first,i'd try to get non-receival notices from USPS to prove he wasn't accepting them for whatever reason,and call HUD if you need to.
if they're willing,a statement from that other tenant about being offered money would help.
if he's playing games,chances are he'll find a way to evict you no matter what,
but at least he'll possibly be getting a big honking HUD fine before he does.
i never was offered a bribe to move,but the landlady did everything in her power to attempt to get me to leave..including renting a steamroller to "flatten" our driveway bright and early when i worked night shift.i wish i was kidding on that,but i'm not.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
30 Sep 09
I try to live by the motto: Don't borrow trouble, pyewacket, but, alas, trouble will sometimes seek you out. I've heard you mention the bad blood between you and your landlord in the past. Of course he must want you out of the apartment, if for no other reason than to line his pockets more deeply. I think you have done everything right in sending your rent in the way you do. If I were you I'd hold off on contacting legal assistance for a bit. Your record of paying your rent in a timely manner for so long should stand you in good stead.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 09
I wouldn't have a clue why the jerk would need more money...the guy's a millionaire...and just think, when we all moved in her in 1961 he was only the painter for the building...how the heck did he become a landlord?
@betsyraeduke (2670)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Sorry Pye, I don't know any advice to give that has not been given to you already, though I do think it's good that you send the rent certified mail so that way there are at least records of it. I know what it's like to deal with a sleazebag landlord though. My landlord is a sleazebag too. You may remember that I've made a few posts here and there about my landlord as well. I certainly hope it all works out for you. Sleazy landlords suck.
Btw, I have to say that I am glad I don't live in NY, I don't think I could afford it lol! $529/mo for an apartment? And that's low rent? And I'm guess from other posts you've made here that this is not exactly a luxury apartment either? Yikes! Where I live you can rent an entire 2 to 3 bedroom house from anywhere from $595 to $650/mo. and I don't mean in a bad neighborhood either.
Where I live you can rent an entire 2 to 3 bedroom house from anywhere from $595 to $650/mo. and I don't mean in a bad neighborhood either.1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 09
OMG--are you serious about rent for a 2 or 3 bedroom apt for $595 to $650 a month? The average rent in my area is over a $1,000 and no NOT for a luxury apartment either.
The average rent in my area is over a $1,000 and no NOT for a luxury apartment either.@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Oct 09
Gee---maybe I should move in your state! It's so much less expensive to live there!
@betsyraeduke (2670)
• United States
30 Sep 09
No, where I live you can get a 2 or 3 bedroom house for $595 to $650/mo. Apartments you can get cheaper, like $400 to $500/mo. I'm not talking in bad neighborhoods either, but in fairly decent ones. We also have both apartments and houses that cost a lot, like the prices you pay there, but that is for the exceptionally big and/or nice ones. For a slum apartment, like I have, we pay $350/mo rent.
1 person likes this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
30 Sep 09
Your landlord is pulling one on you. I would first talk to him and say you sent your check by registered mail. That is proof that it was mailed on time and arrived at his door on time. The fact that he didn't bother get his mail is irrelevant. Don't tell him that. Be polite. Be very polite and proper. Pissing him off won't help at all. Just say that the check was mailed by registered mail on such date and that they tried to make a delivery on such and such dates. In other words, you have proof that your check was mailed.
Regarding bribes to move, it's done all the time. It's an easy way to get people to move. It's not a big deal. If the person wants to or needs to move anyway, they will take the money and run.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 09
Well it wasn't like he picks up the certified mail but the people that work in his office which consists of his wife, son, daughter in law and god knows how many other relatives. I emailed a few places including a housing authority website last night, and they sent me an attachment of a Landlord Harassment form that I could file with them if I need to...let's hope I don't and things will work out.
@Thebraggingman (275)
• New Zealand
30 Sep 09
Good luck with everything dude. Some times you just need to look on the bright side of life. (you know like the song.) SO when life gives you lemons there are always people like us good people at mylot to give you good energy. and positive feedback. I hope you fix everything with renting and what so because it sounds like your the type of person who will. Once again good luck with everything you have my energy with you.
