Q: What to do if someone new collected your rent then landlord shows up and says he never received it
A man showed up at my home and said he was there for the rent because my landlord was in the hospital. I've seen him at my landlords. I got a signed receipt but my landlords said he didn't know the man and wants me to pay again
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
If someone collected your rent on behalf of the landlord, and now the landlord claims they didn’t receive it, you should first show the landlord the signed receipt you obtained. This receipt is evidence that you paid your rent to the individual who claimed to represent your landlord. Explain that you paid in good faith, especially since you’ve seen the person at the landlord's property before.
Next, ask your landlord to investigate who the person is and how they gained access to collect rent. It’s possible that this person misrepresented themselves, but you shouldn't be held accountable if you paid rent under reasonable circumstances. Keep all communication with your landlord documented and save any relevant receipts or messages.
If your landlord insists on you paying again, you may want to review your lease and consider discussing your legal options, as paying twice for the same rent may not be fair. You might also want to contact local tenant resources to understand your rights in this situation.
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