Violated by my landlord...what to do?

**Dalmore** · 19th December 07, 06:59 PM

I normally only post here about kilts but I want to seek some opinions/advice from my kilted brethren.....

I came home tonight after a long day at work to find my stuff moved around in my apartment and I immediately got that "somethings just not right" feeling. I knew someone had been there just from the way things appeared. You know what I mean...you know where your 'stuff' is and when it's now where it should be- you just know. At first I'm thinking I was burglarized, or maybe somebody on the building staff was just paying an uninvited visit because I move at the end of the month.

First thing I do is call the super. he says "I wasn't there". Then he pauses and says "yeah, I believe your landlord was there with the guy that bought the condo and a home inspector."

After I heard this I was furious because for the past 2 years I've been the model tenant. No complaints, no issues, never bothered the landlord...you know, ideal. He notified me out of the blue that he wanted to sell and I did my best to find another place in a hurry instead of milking my lease until the end. I found a place in short order and I'm moving out at the end of the month. I've cooperated every time that his realty office called and said they wanted to show the place to a prospective buyer. All I ever asked for was 24 hours notice that someone was coming.

So, when I got him on the phone I was furious. Imagine if you came home and it looked like someone had been hanging out in your place. And you've got all of your valuables laying around, etc. So, I took a deep breath, was polite but firm. He was unapologetic and just pushed the blame off on the realty office secretary. "She should have called...I'll reprimand her tomorrow." I'm not even sure I believe that since I spoke to him just 2 days ago and he did not even mention he was coming with a home inspector.

I don't know what to do. I have until the end of the month before I move and I don't want to go through this again. I don't know yet if anything is missing. All I asked for was a little respect but now that he's sold and I'm moving it looks like he doesn't care. I'm wondering now if I'll have an issue getting my deposit back- since I obviously can't take him at his word.

He's just lucky they didn't touch my kilts!

**TheKiltedWonder** · 19th December 07, 07:03 PM

That's terrible! I wish I could say I was surprised. I really can't offer you any reasonable advice, as you were asking for. But here's hoping it all works out!

**Tattoo Bradley** · 19th December 07, 07:15 PM

I'll tell you what I'd do... not sure it's feasable... but what I'd do. I'd be changing the locks. Then give him the key when you move it out.

**ccga3359** · 19th December 07, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

I'll tell you what I'd do... not sure it's feasable... but what I'd do. I'd be changing the locks. Then give him the key when you move it out.

It's what I would do. I'm sure that no one can enter your residence without notice unless in an emergency. Still it is a bummer and you have every right to be angry.

**Cage** · 19th December 07, 07:27 PM

Sadly it all depends on what is stated in the lease...including be able to change the locks.

**ccga3359** · 19th December 07, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by JohnsonK

Sadly it all depends on what is stated in the lease...including be able to change the locks.

What are they going to do kick him out

? It wouldn't be a permanent modification just a temporary one. Keep the old lock and reinstall it on the last day.

**Frank McGrath** · 19th December 07, 07:41 PM

Check your lease and see what it says about untimely entrances. You may have a case for Landloerd -tenant dispute. Does your area have a Landlord /tenant section of government. Moving or not , yuou may have the right to claim damages if the landlord broke the terms of the lease. Good Luck. Fight the good fight.

**ChromeScholar** · 19th December 07, 07:43 PM

If you're moving out at the end of the month anyway, it really isn't worth your time and expense to actually do anything. Just make sure your valuables are hidden.

**TheKiltedWonder** · 19th December 07, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by ChromeScholar

If you're moving out at the end of the month anyway, it really isn't worth your time and expense to actually do anything. Just make sure your valuables are hidden.

I'd say this is about the principle of the thing. If there's someway he can sek redress legally, I say go for it, just to show the landlord he can't treat people this way.
Any NJ-area rabble up for establishing a kilted perimeter around said apartment?

**Clockwork John** · 19th December 07, 08:40 PM

I would, at the very least, change the locks. I don't know what the law is in New Jersey, but out here, a landlord by law must give you thirty days notice to vacate. So even if they gave you the boot for changing the locks, it wouldn't matter, since you're leaving before the 30 days would be up...

And definitely pursue legal redress. It's the principal of the matter. Landowners can't treat their tennants like that any more. Feudalism is over.