I don't want to go into any major details here, but please PM me if you have legal experience, especially dealing with renter's rights. I have a landlord threatening to "send authorities after me" because he says I owe him money that I don't. I'm pretty sure most of the things he is threatening to do can't actually be done and he is just talking out of his ass trying to scare me into giving him extra money, but I need to know what to expect if the situation continues.

Thanks.

7/31/2011 9:59:07 PM

Did you stop paying rent for any reason?

7/31/2011 10:09:50 PM

I paid all rent legally owed. There was time spent where I was not allowed into the apartment because of city mandated lead work (an unhealthy level of lead was found during an inspection). During this time the landlord was to either not collect rent or provide accommodations of equal standards at no extra cost. He did not provide accommodations, so I did not pay. He wants money for that time and more but I don't wan't to discuss any more of it except with someone who has experience in such matters.

7/31/2011 10:56:13 PM

Gotta love Boston landlords! Unless you don't live in Boston, for some reason I think you do.

7/31/2011 11:08:59 PM

I hate to tell you this, but unless you want your credit left with a huge dent in it you should probably pay him then sue. I'm personally going through a battle with my old landlord and that advice came from a real estate attorney

7/31/2011 11:20:33 PM

^^Yep. Bunch of greedy assholes in these parts.

He told me if I didn't pay up that the FBI would be knocking on my door. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the FBI doesn't get involved in rent issues.

I already moved out, so he can't kick me out. But I am worried about my credit. If he takes me to small claims court I'm fairly certain I'll come out unscathed, but I don't know what happens in between now and then.

8/1/2011 12:11:02 AM

should have paid your rent

8/1/2011 12:15:32 AM

The FBI things is total BS, if for some irrational reason you believed that. In actuality, it's a federal crime to put incorrect things on a credit report. It's also fairly easy to dispute anything on there. I forget what it's called -- maybe fair credit reporting act. So, you don't need to panic and cry like a girl over random threats.

But talk to a real lawyer.

[Edited on August 1, 2011 at 12:48 AM. Reason : ..]

8/1/2011 12:47:01 AM

I only call people's bluffs about 67% of the time on average, but when they mention the FBI or CIA while discussing civil matters I call their bluffs 100% of the time.

You should tell him the CDC, NIH, and the HUD is onto him and he will rue the day he threatened you with legal action. He sounds like the type that would believe it.

RUE
THE
DAY

[Edited on August 1, 2011 at 1:28 AM. Reason : l ]

8/1/2011 1:27:19 AM