We decided to break our lease. According to the lease- breaking the lease would require 60 days notice and we’d forfeit the security deposit plus an extra months rent. We gave notice on September 19th and confirmed this all by text with the landlord and also when we would be moving out. The landlord asked if they could conduct viewings whilst we were still living there which we declined and they said that was fine. We then offered to move out earlier which was better for us so that they could conduct their viewings earlier letting her know that it’s less than 60 days notice but if they were fine with it we would do it and the landlord confirmed by text again that it would be fine even though we told her it was less than 60 days notice. We agreed to drop the keys and additional months rent in November 4th in her mailbox since she didn’t want to meet us. Suddenly while we are on our way to returning the keys and to drop November rent (the extra months rent required for breaking the lease) the landlord calls us up literally as we are posting it into her mailbox saying we had to pay December rent. We were very confused because there was no mention of this at all in the texts. They had lied to us and are trying to obtain more money from us despite literally returning the keys in that moment she had called us up. She was arguing on the phone to us saying we had to pay December rent (making it deposit + 2 months rent) because we had gone 4 days into the month. Despite agreeing by text with her to moving out the first weekend in November and no mention of being liable to pay for the entire month. Earlier in the texts she actually agreed to prorated rent (which would be 4 days). We kept insisting that we were happy to pay for the 4 extra days on top of the deposit plus the November rent but she kept saying no and was demanding a full extra months rent. We later realized her motives as she said us breaking the lease in the winter is making it very hard for her to rent the place out (obviously this is not our problem). She kept reiterating that everything she was saying was in the lease but we have checked thoroughly and there’s no mention of this in the lease just the forfeiting deposit plus additional months rent which is what we have done. We have returned the keys plus paid for the additional months rent yet she is still expecting December rent from us and has threatened legal action against us. We have text evidence of agreeing to different terms. We feel completely lied to and are stuck on what to do. We would rather not go to court and my husband wants to pay it so she can leave us the heck alone but I’m finding it hard to accept this type of injustice. Any lawyers that can provide advice would be much appreciated.

Hello. Some background I am in Kentucky. Last month we were notified by a letter on our door the apartment we live in has been sold to a new property owner. They posted a note on our door with a number to call and pay rent if you have a current, active lease. They then went on to say if you do not have a lease they will be contacting you. I do not have a lease, it expired in 2023 and I have been month to month. I had a bad feeling so I didn't try to pay rent. My neighbors all called the number and paid their rent, they paid what their rent was previously set at since no new leases were offered to anyone and no one was told of rent amounts. Days went by and we weren't contacted. I expected someone to come to my door so we could potentially sign a new lease, but rhat never happened. I thought maybe they'd sent it by mail, but no we didn't get anything. They have our contact information but have never called us. The letter said THEY will contact US. Fast forward to today, I noticed we had a letter on our door. Not just us, but just about every tenant here got one. They ALL say they are eviction notices with 7 days to vacate for nonpayment of rent. A 1 bedroom that was previously like 650 a month, they are charging 1,000 for but charging 760 for a 2 bedroom. No one signed anything agreeing to any rent changes. I did not make a rent payment this month, however, all of my neighbors did. They STILL got a nonpayment / eviction notice. We all have various random rent prices listed that no one was notified of until the eviction notice. All of the tenants are low income, a lot are on HUD or SSDI. We are all talking together to try and figure out what to do. Most of us agree we don't want to stay with the way they're acting, but there's nowhere to go. Any advice is very appreciated.

Hi, so I currently live in an apartment where the landlord can be terrible with communication and helping us get things fixed (others in these apartments are having the same issue). We've had maintenance come in unannounced before, and it hasn't been a huge issue because I understand they have a job to do though no notice kinda irks my partner and I. But today they came pounding on my door as hard as they could about 10 times, and when I didn't answer (bc it was an unmarked vehicle and I'm home alone ATM and couldn't see who TF was at the door) they did it a second time before promptly jiggling the door handle and starting to unlock it. I got up and opened the door because I thought it would give me some more control over the situation, and it was the maintenance guy, his literal child (about 10) and another guy I didn't recognize who was arguing with the lady nextdoor. He mentioned that he didn't own or even work for this place, he owns the place across the street.

They told me they needed to get in for my breaker box bc the lady next door doesnt have power, and I told them that we don't have one and we have searched for one and there isnt one, so theyre not welcome in. They looked annoyed and my mistake was letting go of the door to grab my cat so he couldn't get out, because they went ahead and let themselves in and said "we're just going to look. You've already looked?" Of course they never found a breaker box, there isn't one in my apartment. They just said "let's go look in 10" and just.. left.

Is this normal? No notice, trying to let themselves in, bringing a child, bringing a stranger, letting themselves in when I told them no, then just leaving after digging through my closet and bathroom?? I'm not even sure if the landlord will do anything about this or if she even knows the other guy came along, as he told the lady next door "I'm just trying to fix what the owner of this place is incapable of doing, I don't even own these apartments or work here." Is there a way to report this higher than my landlord?

Hey all! I’ve been filming some one-on-one interviews for the East Lake Tenants Union (ELTU) to highlight tenants’ stories about eviction struggles and housing rights. People start watching but drop off around the 15-second mark, and I’m really not sure how to hold their attention longer or make these go viral. I’m posting here to see how this style of content resonates with people truly fighting the fight.

These are real, unfiltered stories, and I feel like they should grab people, but something isn’t clicking. I’m looking for any tips on making these interviews more engaging and getting people to stick around. Maybe I’m missing something with the hook? Or the editing? Anyone had a similar challenge or got advice on making impactful videos more watchable? Thanks in advance!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBcUEMLvXyV/?igsh=MTZmdXkwOXo2MzNjMQ==

Hello,

I moved into an apartment at the beginning of October and noticed as soon as I moved in that there was a rotting/Sulphur smell coming from under the kitchen sink. I noted it on my inspection, so I have proof it was a pre-existing condition. The landlord sent a maintenance technician who said there were no leaks and the disposal is operating correctly so that I should do a series of troubleshooting to get the smell to go away myself. I've been following all of their suggestions for 3 weeks and I have had no luck. I have asked multiple times for a plumber to be sent and have been ignored. Today I was told that they would arrange for one to come if I'm willing to pay a $200 fee if the plumbers "don't find anything wrong functionally." Does this seem right?? I'm at my wits end with this. Living in a stinky apartment for weeks and I've been putting time and money towards trying to fix this issue when it was there when I moved in!

Xoxo Gossip Girl

I'm in the GTA, ON Canada, and the last year I've had an awful experience with bed bugs. My neighbor across from me had an awful infestation, he's been evicted and has been gone for many months. We'll, my landlord informed everyone on the floor, but did NOT treat anyone unless we saw some. I didn't for months, but my neighbors did. I finally did in April, and from that point on we had our place treated 3 times. After the third treatment, I was done as mentally I was spiraling and I couldn't handle it anymore. My landlord also gaslit me for how expensove getting treatments were, when it wasnt my fault this issue was happening, and it was negligence from not treating the entire building properly in the first place. We found a new place, deep diving realized we wouldn't be able to bring a lot with us. I gave the proper 60 days notice. Even though we felt the issue was poorly handled, I was willing to clear everything out still. Then 5 days before we moved to our new apartment, my partner found them on the bed that had an encasement on. We decided it wasn't worth the risk at all to bring my dresser next to this, and already knew we weren't bringing our bed or box spring but initially planned to remove it ourselves, now seeing that we decided we absolutely can't. I have never left much behind before, and we still removed a majority of the furniture besides these, and a bookcase. Would I get charged more money for leaving it? I feel there's no other choice, we refuse to relive this nightmare again by risking removing it. I've been told I shouldn't have been paying rent either until it was properly gone, but have the whole time, not that I'm looking to get anything back at all. We had to spend thousands on new things for our new place too.. but I'd love to hear what others who have dealt with similar experienced

Hey everyone any input will help.

I'm dealing with a post eviction landlord issue, and dont know how to go about it.

She was represented by an attorney during the UD. we had a stipulated judgement that wed seal the case, and id move out by a certain date, and that she would give me my security deposit back within code.

The property had mold, asbestos, and even lead in the paint.

My attorney for the UD case (i had a separate atty for habitability case) assured me all will be well which didnt end up being.

So essentially she never had any intention of returning my security deposit and was just a way to get me to agree to move out. The entire time that this ordeal was going on she was in France, and only came once to do the remediation 3 months after i had reported the mold. I wrote emails all documented showing the apartment clean and i even dry cleaned the sofa to get rid of what ever asbestos particles would be in it. (rented it furnished)... before i moved out i asked for her to send a representative to conduct a walk through with me and she ignored my emails. I did my own walk through. 21 days later she sent me a photo of her handyman in the bathroom with a thumbs up sign, with a list of repairs needing to be done due to the mess the remediation company left behind. She didnt even fix the kitchen sink for me to be able to wash my plates and dishes and i was forced to leave them there.

Im now trying to take her to small claims and i have served her the papers, as well as the notice of related case. Now her attorney has sent an order asking to quash due to improper service, adding that the landlord has not been in the states since the complaint was filed..... what are my options? Service was done as substituted service on the new tenant that lives there after me. What can i do? She has a new property manager, but i cant serve him as he wasn't managing the property during my tenancy.

https://reddit.com/link/1fs3ahi/video/g8f0gch3tqrd1/player

Also.

Does a lease have to explicitly say whether or not landlord will provide 24x7 maintenance?

LSS. I was given this particular unit on hook and bait... She literally fell on her bum running outside after showing me to the shee hole. If so the first week I was here for the first two weeks I think it was the first week I got it scabies , few months more later I got bed bugs those are predominantly a thousand times worse but also they aren't getting better and all of my furniture I need to throw in the trash now. I already lost everything to domestic violence so whatever I have left is now going it was just donated now we'll have no furniture. I don't think it's one more cares actually that's very obvious. I have a liaison I don't really think I mean they really information and they just needed to give me I don't know I never asked for this apartment and they know that they would show this to me before having me sign paperwork misleading me to think it was another unit that I would not have taken it,.. so I thought the first time for sure it was me I got and spent a few hundred dollars completely disinfecting it as well as I could. Time number two same my fault whatever.. But I don't really understand it because I've gone 30 odd years without ever having any type of parasitic infection whatsoever yet I get two of them in less than a few months?.. And then they breathe like it is illegal okay but it just seems that no one cares.. and, I'm being made fun of by her friends for making friends that live on the premises, to say the least. I let the maintenance people eat all my food they're even taking out entire plates of goodies at this point and I used to do anything just to stick it under the radar or not cause the scene or being on confrontational as I can... But then like when I'm crying and paying your bothers some other tenants? I guess I don't know but, I have really don't understand I can't just chalk up I'm on the way it was like what $9,000 or whatever you've gotten plus all the extra fees? & Let me off the lease... Because she won't move me either. And I also have children and will not and there's no way I would move them in here and now that my parents who have them currently and I usually spend half the week with them so again it's not like I even spend that much time here I've been half the week, and then this is called me to miss a appointment which is further pushes it out for a second time ironically that's kind of weird my back surgery that's really intense in which I would be returning with my children... But now it's like I don't really know,... I don't think anybody scared of anything has any incentive to follow any law but has every way shape and I don't know what's going on for my entire life like to get some help blame it on me to the point where I just automatically blame things on me.

Don't crawl space completely hot fell through and I didn't know where it was but anyway it completely just opens up in a kitchen cabinet where you're supposed to put your dishes and whatnot and I've just been dealing with that but I wasn't aware that it was like different types of species of disgusting things... I thought that maybe it was just gross cheap. Also to bring that point at point... Is that time I got the first conversation was cleaning up after the first people and like I don't know how they take so much of a deposit off you because they don't even like kind of sort of clean it like a hotel in between people and they even told me the carpet was new which it was... Like did they expect anyone to believe that? It was not supposed to be carpet. In the carpetent in the beginning of it and since they won the carpet has been pulled crunchy Dead skulls or dead bugs and shit which makes sense... I'm in Texas I don't want to get anyone in trouble I don't care what anyone's done to me that scare me and be rude to me whatever so far intimidate me I just want to move. That's not even I won't live in a place that doesn't have bugs, and actually yes a carpet because that was a she novels we all know, current section 8 help lady doesn't have much like I said, if she wasn't so obsessed with getting lunch that day that I had moved in and the young 18 or 19 year old girl who was also on my case who was going to bring it up to her... And we did bring it up to bring it up to her her meeting the landlord I'm assuming the conversation would have been like oh yeah it doesn't work out okay bye which would have at the time and annoying but whatever so one of those things happen I just don't get that upset about those things but this like I knew this was wrong and bad and gross from day one.. I knew that I was already like manipulated but then again I also know it's just best to keep my mouth shut and my dad always tells me.. they're really cheap apartments that's what you get blah blah also I didn't realize how incredibly gross and she's were because they can this is not what I was shown. And there's multiple families living here I'm the only person that has this bug issue. But then again I did, I even did some of my... She just switched out the paperwork on the apartment number but I never ever ever ever ever would have said yes I'd be interested in this. No carpet. I have a toddler with down Syndrome, unhygienic.. I'm sick to my stomach of how this is going to be made my fault I'm tired of pulling bugs out of my nose my privates might but it's been days and days and days and there's like literally no end in sight. I don't know why I would spend a bunch of money to clean everything under the false pretense it's my fault won't even like my reasoning for how I would have done that doesn't quite make sense.... But I happily call it my own family and blame it on myself not once but twice cuz I thought it was my fault.

It is the exposed crawl space that has been crushed falling through and literally has like a stuck to the floor thing of dead bugs skulls of all kinds of varieties that I don't even know yet and I had to get a proper doctor's diagnosis which is also easy just to Google it but they didn't think that the way it is seamless how awful and intense 24/7 horrible this is... Also I think I have lice but that's not even who cares about that at this point. What to do?

Have you lived at 1660 peachtree st in the past 4 years ?

Well I have and it was terrible and misleading it’s not luxury not safe has mold water leaks etc.

If you’ve experienced neglect, false advertising, mold issues, water damage, delayed maintenance, security deposit scams, or unmet promises related to your lease at 1660, i want to hear from you. If you’ve had problems like overcharging, unauthorized utility charges, broken amenities, crime incidents, or issues with breaking your lease, please contact me. Text 404-796-9648 or email ANONYVOICEOFLOGIC@gmail.com to share your experience with me. This has to stop

My boyfriend and I got a beautiful piece of property in Delaware. and it so happens to be right next door to his parents.So this house we got to rent, was gutted. It's an old 3 BR trailer on 2 acres. My boyfriend is a general contractor and looked at the property and said ok. Not a problem to rehab this house. So they gave us 2 months free rent and a reduced rate of $1000 for 2 years then up to 1500. We got a budget of $3500 for materials to get the house livable. Mind you, house was gutted and in deplorable condition. Windows were broken (not glass, but casing), floors were soft, black mold, etc. no cabinets, or appliances. The 2 months came and went. So the house still isn't complete. One problem after another. Electrical, plumbing, walls with mold, etc. as he opens up walls,floors, and ceiling it's just gets bad. Well the landlords will not budge. We depleted the $3500. They said we didn't use it to get the house "just livable" they didn't authorize what we discussed as in basically stuff we "wanted" not needed to get house livable. They threatened to evict us if we don't pay Sept rent. We are not currently living at the house. We are spending countless nights n days working on the house, and our funds are going into this house like we are the ones who own it. They want their rent, plus we aren't even living there.... However, what might hurt us is that we agreed on the reduced rent. But we didn't know the underlying problems underneath after the lease was signed.

After seeing a property I rented in Ireland, go back on the market at a 30% increase, I got into tracking all property prices in Ireland over a couple of years, full map: HowMuchRent.com

Digitised all the 15K+ Court Cases, so tenants can see what issues a property has ahead of time.

Tenants can leave reviews of their place also, this is the key part : https://howmuchrent.com/r/user_reviews

What would make this better for Tenants? Hope is getting tenants to add their stories, good and bad, to share with the next people. Otherwise, these get forgotten about, and the wisdom is not carried forward.

Please do help, especially with sharing it with people living in Ireland.

Court of Appeals Upholds Eugene’s $10 Cap on Application Screening Fees: A Victory for Tenants

https://preview.redd.it/8y0aqhqzcold1.png?width=1452&format=png&auto=webp&s=1461f7b873ac3f29539e6dc441cd12df004265c0

(City Council meeting on July 11, 2022, when Phase 1 was passed)

Eugene, OR – In a major win for renters, the Oregon Court of Appeals has reversed a Lane County Circuit Court decision, paving the way for the City of Eugene’s ordinance that caps rental application screening fees at $10 maximum per applicant to go into effect. This decision solidifies Eugene's ability to protect its residents from excessive fees that create barriers to housing, especially for low-income individuals and families.

The ruling overturns the lower court’s judgment, which held the cap on application fees was preempted by state landlord-tenant law. The Court of Appeals, however, determined that the $10 cap can coexist with state law, affirming the City’s authority to implement local consumer protections like a cap on application fees.

“This is a huge win for renters in Eugene,” said Kevin Cronin, an organizer with the Eugene Tenant Alliance. “We call on the city of Eugene to begin enforcing this part of the city code as soon as the injunction is lifted. We recognize that this issue might not be over and we will see if the landlords appeal this decision to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, the city can start enforcement. We will continue our efforts to make the $10 cap statewide by bringing back legislation like SB 684.”

The $10 cap was a key component of the “Phase I” renter protections passed by the Eugene City Council in July 2022, aimed at addressing the significant challenges renters face in an increasingly competitive housing market. These protections also include requirements for move-in/out documentation, rental history provisions, and mandatory tenant education.

“Renters in our community often struggle with the financial burden of application fees, sometimes as high as $75/per person when searching for housing,” said Tim Morris, Executive Director of the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association. (SETA) “The $10 cap on application fees is a critical measure that ensures low-income renters, including those with Section 8 vouchers or only having Social Security Disability income, have a fair shot at securing housing. Today’s decision ensures that these burdens are kept in check, providing much-needed relief to those who are already navigating a tough rental market.”

"With the ongoing housing shortage and high competition among renters, this cap offers much-needed relief,” added Molly Goulet, a Eugene attorney who works with low-income residents and serves on SETA’s policy committee. “When someone has to apply to many rentals to find a new home, the cost can become significant. Renters are already out moving costs, a security deposit (until the first is refunded), and the time and stress of changing houses and schools. The City of Eugene has been attempting to make housing more stable and fair for renters, and this cap will help achieve that goal."

The Eugene Tenant Alliance, which has been at the forefront of advocating for these protections, remains committed to supporting and advancing tenants' rights throughout Eugene and Oregon. This ruling, which reinforces the city’s right to enact local tenant protections, sets a precedent that could inspire similar measures across the state.

“As we continue this fight, we hope this victory inspires other cities to adopt strong tenant protections of their own,” added Cronin. “Looking ahead, the Eugene Tenant Alliance is committed to advancing our campaign for Tenant Opportunity to Purchase as a proposed addition to Eugene’s Phase 3 renter protections. This initiative would give tenants the first right to buy their homes if the property is put up for sale, further empowering renters and helping preserve affordable housing in our community. We will keep working alongside state legislators and local officials to ensure all Oregonians have access to fair, affordable housing.”

Link to full court opinion

Lower Court Judgement

Link to post on ETA's website: https://eugenetenantalliance.substack.com/p/breaking-news-court-of-appeals-upholds

Hi all, looking for some advice. Recently moved into a house and immediately the air conditioner flooded the carpet. They sent someone out to clean the carpet and they did but I have suspicions that the carpet has mold as me, my roommates and even my cats are getting sick. Landlord does not want to rip up carpet as it was just replaced before we moved in even though they already know the AC flooding they were at fault for as we had not even fully moved in yet. What can I do to get them to replace the carpet? thanks

Are you a person of color who: 

• Has a white parent or grandparent? 
• Grew up in a predominately white neighborhood? 
• Has a white significant other? 
• Attended a predominately white institution for HS or college? 

If any of the above are true, I’d love to talk to you! 

I am recruiting people of color between the ages of 18 and 75 for 90 min interviews on Zoom about their experiences with whiteness. Eligible participants who complete the screening survey and interview will receive a $40 Target gift card. 

Go.osu.edu/warrenresearch 

Questions? Email: ASC-ptwresearchteam@osu.edu 

This study has been determined exempt by OSU IRB Protocol #2024E0158 

PI: Evangeline Warren, PhD Candidate 

Supervisor: Dr. Cynthia Colen 

https://preview.redd.it/djr2ms25iqhd1.jpg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65750e4c9550b4493a5dd2f10b877ae0fd35bb88

Hey there,

We make just $100 over being qualified as "Low Income." Are there any Tenant Resources available on a sliding fee to write a dispute letter to my previous landlord?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!