My landlord told me that he isn't going to give me a lease. He said if he would of known that me and my husband recieave government assistance he would of never rented out the property to us. Before we got the apartment I asked him if he needed income verification he says no. So should I file a discrimination law suite ?
209006
There is a difference between a lease and a month to month rental agreement.  If you have a month to month agreement and want a lease, the landlord probably does not have to provide one merely because a landlord is not required to lease property at all.  He/she may restrict all rentals to non-lease contracts.\n\nHowever, if he is trying to get you to move out because you are on public assistance, you may have a foundation for a discrimination action.  Fed/State law doesn't allow for discrimination, but it restricts itself to issues such as race, gender, etc.\n\nLocal and county ordinances can provide additional protections above and beyond federal and state law.  Federal/state law doesn't address source of income as a basis for discrimination.  For instance, in the state of Connecticut, a landlord CANNOT use the source of income as a factor in renting or giving a lease.  In other states, he or she may.\n\nI suggest you contact HUD or a representative from your public assistance agency who can lead you to the information you need for your specific situation.  Don't threaten the landlord yet.  That will only make matters worse, but please do some research.  You may have a case.  As I said, it truly depends on several factors the most important being the laws where you are renting.
514628
You need to understand that not all kinds of discrimination are illegal.  In the real world, people get turned down for things all the time (which is a form of discrimination) based on lack of creditworhiness, ownership of collateral, good references, or any one of a thousand other legal reasons.  Illegal discrimination is discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap, etc. I would not think that requiring a deposit from you under these circumstances would constitute discrimination unless you suspect that the real reason for the requirement is your race, religion, national origin or any other suspect classification.  Many businesses, including landlords, offer incentives as part of a sales pitch, but there's almost always some fine print that says you have to qualify to get the incentive.  In your case, if your landlord's sales pitch was subject to his receipt of your rental or credit history (a very routine requirement), he had every right to change the offered terms if you don't meet the requirements.  Read your rental application very carefully (look at the fine print on the back) and see if there isn't some language that allows them to modify their requirements depending on your credit, rent history, references, etc.  On the other hand, if you have solid evidence that they are changing the rules because of your race, religion, etc., you may have a case.
551847
I agree with Tom T.  I'm a landlord AND an attorney, and while you may not legally be forced to sign a new lease, as your landlord I would explain to you that you knew very well that you had to pay an additional pet fee, and you acknowledge that you should be paying that higher amount but for my assistant's honest error.\n\nTherefore, what I'd probably end up doing is looking for every opportunity to be a stickler on the rules.  If your cat/dog steps a paw out of line, if your party gets a bit too loud, etc.  If you want to slide through the cracks on your rent because "technically" you don't have to pay more, I'd be looking for every "technicality" to show you the pendulum can swing both ways.  It's just human nature.\n\nIt's just like an employer - while there are certainly things they can't legally fire you for, if an employer wants to get rid of you, they can usually find a legal way of doing it.\n\nThe bottom line is, you're not setting a very good precedent for a positive, constructive relationship with your landlord if you know you should be paying more but you're taking advantage of an honest error.  The mature, honest thing to do would be to sign the modified lease.  I'd let them know, however, that legally you don't have to, but you're trying to "do the right thing."  As a landlord, I'd then feel like I really needed to cut you some slack when other stuff happened (like your rent is a day or two late).\n*****************\nYou have not retained my services as an attorney, and I am not representing you in any manner.  Nothing I have written is to be construed as legal advice.  If you have questions about your legal issues, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney who is admitted to practice in the state where you reside.
84969
i know what your going through.i went to court and  i did it pro-SE also,and i won,but they appealed,i lost the appeal,now I'm in  a higher court appealing that,,its hard  to  represent yourself,but it can be done...what state are you in? and what court?,small claims?i know in small claims court .if the defendant doesn't show,he looses.so if he didn't show,,,,,,how can he appeal the decision.it sounds odd to me,,all states are different on laws,,,you can look up tenant land lord laws at Anderson on line...
496803
Wow, what a strange situation.\nIn general, landlords MAY NOT engage in "self-help" (i.e. throwing your stuff out the door) when a residential tenant fails to pay rent.  Assuming that your lady actually has rights to sub-lease the property to you, her only action would be to file an eviction / unlawful detainer action, with notice to you to cure the rent deficiency. Failure to do so gives you a cause of action  against her, especially if you incurred any damage to your property, etc.\nBut this situation is complicated by the fact that (a) you're a roommate and not just a tenant, (b) she is clearly nuts, and (c) she may or may not have the ability to lease / sublease the place to you anyway.  \nSince it doesn't sound like you have a written lease, but rather a week-to-week lease, it's certainly best if you get out of there ASAP.  (I know that's kind of a bummer, since you probably are getting a good deal.) \nThese landlord / tenant disputes are one of the areas of expertise of Legal Aid -- they can usually help you if you cannot afford an attorney.  Good luck.
16342
Call the Department of Health. The landlord has probably broken the lease and you can move with your deposit. I would have already moved if it's been since October. That is BS! I have kids mysself and I would not put up with that. I had a mold problem and I told the landlord I can move out because he did not provide aduquite quarters for my family, and I had to pay rent for a bathroom that I didn't even use. Good luck!
491919
Without a lease your landlord if he wanted to could raise your rent every month as long as they give you notice or unless you are in a rent control...  One of the only reasons I opt for a lease is so that they can't raise my rent more than once a year. However the law might be different where you live so... the best thing to do is call the department of fair housing where you live and see what they say. Good Luck to you!\n\n\nHave a GREAT day!
469206
First, I'm not an attorney, so this is just a layman's opinion. It seems to me that a rental agreement that was offered to a prospective tenant by someone other than the owner of the property would not be a valid contract.
222477
Since you call it an apartment he has become a tenant and you will have to follow legal eviction procedures to get him out.  Any of the self-help solutions others have suggested will just get you and your homeowners policy sued.  (Think what the rates will be if they have you listed as single family home and in fact you have an apartment and a tenant!)  Also I don't know your building codes but I will bet your apartment is illegal and not built with permits, because you said you have one hvac unit for both residences.  You opened a can of worms when you rented this out.  (For whatever the rent was supposed to be) and he will have access to legal aid in Los Angeles for sure.  Good luck be more careful in future to follow the law.
362274
Talk to the apartment management and ask what them what it  would take to break your lease.  I have had friends that have done this and they usually charge half of the remaining rent.  It all depends on how in demand apartments are in the area and if they are going to rent it quickly.  \n\nFind out if there is a waiting list to get into the apartments.  They may willing to let you get out of it for less.  \n\nIf you just leave and not pay, the avoiding of the sitiuation will cause eviction notices and more than likely court cases so they can legally attempt to get the money owed them.  And it will effect your credit rating and your ability to rent in the future.  How many people will want to rent to you if you did not pay your rent?  \n\nYou may have to pass on the great deal for now.  Can you pay the two rents?  Is it really worth the legal hassle?
370757
Well, I would first say that yes he/she can, but you need to talk to your landlord and explain your situation and see if he/she is willing to work something out. Secondly you need to really review your lease and see what it says about this sort of thing.
513379
You already have two good answers that are correct.  I'm a landlord, too, and I agree with them both.  I would just add this:  it's good to be apologetic "I really am so sorry..." but don't be ashamed or frightened.  Your landlord doesn't want to evict you.  It's expensive and a hassle for him to do so; it takes a long time, requires court appearances by him or his lawyer, and after it's done, he has to go find a new tenant.  If you've been paying regularly all along, he wants to keep you as a tenant.  So explain what happened in brief but precise terms, tell him you have documentation of it if you do (receipts or whatever), tell him exactly when and how you will pay (from my next paycheck which I'll get on the 17th...) and he'll be quite content.  If he's half decent, he'll won't even ask for the late fee.
385835
He has all the legal right to charge you an extra fee for renting after a lease and not resigning a lease....this is 100% common practice in all rentals.\n\nDo you have to give notice that you are moving?  No...but then he doens't have to give you back your deposit nor does he have to give you a good referance for your next place.  After all, you stiffed him by not giving a notice in turn making him lose rent money, why would he want to be nice to you?\n\nLandlord cannot control outside contractors for work.  All he can do is put in a call to one and wait for their earliest date.  Just because they are a landlord doesn't mean a technichian will show up inside of 2 hours.  When you have issues with power, heat, etc and its either hot or cold out, you will wait extra long for help as there are many that need help right when you do.  So sit in line and wait patiently.  Since it is not below 40 degree's nor you have mentioned any kids, by law he does not have to guarantee power or heat if its out and below or above any temperatures.  Nor does he need to compensate you for hotel or any place you stay outside of your apartment when no power or no heat.  That responsibility is totally on you.  But now if you have home owners or renters insurance, then these will help pick up the tab for such issues.\n\nYour comment on him trying to evict you...if you are late....by law he has all the right to kick you out.  If you refuse, the police will remove you and charge you with tresspassing.  And by law he can toss your stuff to the curb and allow anyone to take it.\n\nYou have no fight as all you have done is either your fault or past there ability to control it.  Welcome to the real world, welcome to the world of renting and welcome to learning a few laws that have been on the books for ages.\n\nYou forget...that is their property, not yours...your are "borrowing" it for as long as you have paid.  If you don't pay, even for 1 day, why would they have to let you stay?  They can rent it to someone else that will pay.\n\nMove if you want, but rentals are rentals, same laws no matter where you go.
228445
Hi I m from Good old SA, your Landlord is not allowed to terminate your lease because you had a frying pan in your room as long as you did not have a stove in the room which you where using he/she can do jack shit too you if he /she wants to dispute it you can contact the Department of housing who will look into the matter, there number is 011 355 4000 webpage www.housing.qpq.gov.za
117692
Smartest thing to do is make a contract/statement up stating person has lived there so n so months "rent free" (your choice or not?)and has no job wanted to do your best to help said person on their feet, all has failed, now are giving the person X ammount of days to get out,or contribute. Have that person sign it, with your signature as well. wouldnt hurt to give that person a copy as well you keep the original! \nFor future references its best to have "Everything in WRITING" And keep as many expense reciepts as well.
374369
If you are on month to month tenancy, the landlord gives proper notice of non-renewal.  I can't say if you got proper notice, and it may be that the argument led to the action, but you might have a hard time proving that was the cause of the non-renewal.
395949
If you feel that this apartment building is discriminating, contact local fair housing agency. Also, I'm not entirely certain if the administrative fee is legal. I would check with fair housing. They are usually very knowledgeable about the law.