If you focused on the property instead of the person and missed the signs of a bad landlord, you might feel powerless. After all, they can raise your rent, evict you, allow the unit to become uncomfortable (or unlivable), or simply be rude and unpleasant in every interaction. But you can fight back and protect yourself by taking some necessary steps.
In fact, it’s good to know this information before you sign the lease in the first place. Knowing what your rights are and the procedure for filing a complaint ahead of time will give you a sense of empowerment and save time if you discover that your landlord’s a bad person when it’s too late to back out.
Set boundaries
If your landlord keeps entering your private space, or consistently harasses you in the common areas of the property, start by setting clear boundaries. A written notice outlining the access and notice policy and directing the landlord to communicate with you only via email or in writing is a good place to start. Cite the specific language of the lease or applicable state laws in there for good measure.
Since battling a bad landlord involves someone who can cut off your access to your home, it’s a good idea to keep these records (along with important documents, like your lease agreement) in a separate place—or at least copies of them. If you are inappropriately locked out of your apartment (during an illegal eviction attempt, for example) you’ll still be able to access everything you need to fight back.
Set up security
One thing to keep in mind is the laws in your state regarding recording people without their knowledge. Some states are “one party” states that allow this, some require that both parties be aware that they are being recorded. While recording something inside your home is almost certainly legal, recording audio on doorbell cameras can get a little tricky, so be sure to do a little research before you set that up.
If your landlord isn’t impressed when every one of their tenants complains, you could even consider forming a tenant’s association. This would allow coordinated, group action against an unreasonable landlord, including the possibility of (perfectly legal) rent strikes and other collective actions designed to force your landlord to follow the law and behave themselves.
File a complaint
File a complaint. If you’ve raised your concerns with the landlord and nothing’s changed, consider filing a formal complaint with your state’s housing authority or attorney general. It’s usually best to write your landlord directly and copy the housing authority on the letter—this gives your landlord a chance to respond formally while letting them know that you are aware of your rights, and you know who to contact about them.
File a lawsuit. If your landlord doesn’t respond, or responds with even worse behavior, you might have to consider a lawsuit. Since you’re probably not suing for monetary damages, something like small claims court probably won’t work for you. You’ll be best served by contacting an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant cases (you can find one here). They can advise you as to whether your landlord’s behavior is actionable in the court system and help you navigate the process.
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