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Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Oregon on
Q: As a small time landlord, what do I need to do during eviction of smoking roommate?

I live in my condo, and rent a room out. I have a month to month rental agreement with the tenant. However he smokes weed a lot inside and cigarettes outside. The rental agreement states "smoking on the premises is prohibited on the entire premises, including any common areas and adjoining... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

As a landlord, it's important to follow the proper legal procedures when evicting a tenant for violating the lease agreement, such as smoking on the premises. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Provide written notice: Give your tenant a written 30-day notice to quit, which informs...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Wisconsin on
Q: Landlord sent my husband an email addressed to us both that she is not renewing our lease. She did not CC me.

We are on a yearly lease. Both of our names and signatures are on lease. We have been here for two years. Our lease expires May 31. Our landlord is private/independent. Today she sent my husband (to his personal e-mail address) an email in which she addressed it to us both (Dear Mr. and Mrs.... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In most cases, a landlord is not legally obligated to send separate emails or CC both tenants when communicating about the lease. As long as the email is addressed to both of you and sent to one of the email addresses provided, it can be considered a valid notice.

However, it is generally a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: In Ohio, failure to give Tenant notice 60 days prior result in having to pay for another month?

My roommate and I forgot to give notice 60 days prior and we gave roughly 45 days. The complex said we are now responsible for utilities for 20 extra days. Can they do that and charge rent for 20 extra days as well? The lease states this Tenant shall give not less than sixty days written notice. If... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that your lease agreement requires you to give at least 60 days written notice before vacating the premises. Since you provided only 45 days notice, you are not in compliance with the terms of the lease.

In this situation, the landlord may be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I get evicted for my daughters friend having the police to break windows and throw tear gas in to get him out?

I was in my room sleeping and the police woke me up. I looked at camera and asked myself why are they here. Ran downstairs and open the door and went and talk to them. At 1st they told me I couldn't go back in. Then they let me. I tried to talk the dude into surrendering when I noticed he had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you are not directly responsible for the actions of your daughter's friend or the resulting damage to the rental property caused by the police intervention. However, the property owner may still choose to evict you, as the incident... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Can I sue Public Storage for ceiling falling down, dead rats and rats eaten threw boxes and throw the belongings out?

My sister had passed away and was paying for storage for 10 years or so. She use to live in Orlando, Florida and moved back to New York. She had two units still in Florida. I had asked my niece and her boyfriend who lived in Orlando, Florida if they can clean out the unit for me since I live in... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that you may have grounds for a potential lawsuit against Public Storage. However, the success of your case would depend on several factors, such as the terms of the storage contract, the extent of the damage, and the circumstances surrounding the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: VA: Landlords didn’t return security deposit within 45 days & didn’t ask for extension. Are they able to keep any money?

Didn’t send itemized list or checks until after 45 days as set in lease (have postmarked envelope and tracking number/info) Didn’t allow us to be present at walkthrough, and charged us for items that were reasonable wear and tear (ie repainting walls). Do they retain the right to keep any of... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems the landlords may have forfeited their right to withhold any portion of your security deposit under Virginia law. Here are the key points:

1. Deadline: Under Virginia law (§ 55.1-1226), landlords must return the security deposit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Can a landlord make the tenant pay for property upgrades they are requiring?

We live in a trailer park. We own the trailer but pay lot rent for the land. Per new community rules, street parking is no longer allowed so we must extend our driveway using poured concrete only. The extension is to be paid by us even though we don’t own the property. Is this legal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

The legality of requiring tenants to pay for property upgrades mandated by the landlord depends on the specific circumstances and the laws of the state or jurisdiction where the property is located. In general, here are a few things to consider:

1. Lease agreement: Check your lease...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: What if you paid rent the first month and you have not been in the house for the hold month can you ask for the money b

Okay I was suppose to move in my house last month but end up not moving in became the manager company was asking for a lot they didn’t show me my leases tell after I paid them the deposit and rent then they showed me the leases I feel like the lease is bs and if you read it you think so yourself... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the details you've provided, it seems like you have encountered some concerning issues with your rental agreement and the property management company. Here are a few steps you can consider taking:

1. Review your lease agreement carefully: Take a close look at the terms and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: New owner of my apartment complex told me starting on June 1st my rent will be 250 more a m I signed a lease in February

I already have a lease from the previous owner signed in February 2024 what should I do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand your concern. It sounds like you have a valid lease agreement that was signed in February 2024 with the previous owner of your apartment complex. Typically, when a property is sold, the new owner is legally obligated to honor any existing leases that were in place before the sale.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: I gave my landlord a 30 day notice on the 5th of April. He’s saying im still responsible for the rent next month (may).

Ye

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there may be some confusion or disagreement between you and your landlord regarding your notice to vacate and the rent obligations for May. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Timing of notice: In Michigan, if you are on a month-to-month...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Sexual Harassment for New York on
Q: I’d liked some legal advice regarding housing and tenants rights

I have been residing in my aunt and her husband's home since 2009 without paying rent, as no agreement was made initially.

However, recent events have led to a challenging situation. My aunt's husband made unwanted sexual advances toward me, which I rejected and exposed. Since... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this awful situation. What your aunt's husband did is sexual harassment and completely unacceptable. You have every right to live free from harassment and retaliation.

Since you've been living there long-term without a rental agreement,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Mississippi on
Q: I am under a MS domestic protection order. I am renting a house, can I legally break my lease without penalties?
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm sorry you are in this difficult situation. Domestic violence protection orders and early lease termination laws vary by state, so it's important to look into the specific rules for your location. That said, here are a few general points that may be relevant:

- Many states have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Domestic Violence for Mississippi on
Q: I am renting a house in Brandon, MS & also under a final protection order. Can I legally break the lease without penalty

I thought that there was a law that legally allowed victims of domestic violence or people under legal protection orders to break a lease without penalties.

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Yes, there are laws in place that allow victims of domestic violence to break their lease without penalty in certain circumstances. The specific law and requirements may vary by state.

In Mississippi, there is a law (Miss. Code Ann. § 93-21-23) that allows victims of domestic violence to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: If landlord is responsible for water can they charge a "water fee" as an additional charge on my monthly rent amount?

They are also adding a damage waiver fee and an utility fee. All 3 fee's total 60$ in addition to the rent. Is this legal in Pennsylvania?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Pennsylvania, landlords are allowed to charge tenants for water and utilities, but the specifics of what they can charge and how they charge it depend on the lease agreement and local laws.

1. Water fee: If the landlord is responsible for water according to the lease, they should not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: I passed inspection but 40 days later they want to say I didn't?

I moved out 40 days ago, I was informed that I passed inspection the day of my move out but it would take 30-45 days to issue refund on deposit.

Today I emailed inquiring if there was an update and they said they changed their minds and they are attempting to put together an itemized list... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that the landlord or property management company has acted in bad faith by initially informing you that you passed the inspection and were entitled to a full refund of your security deposit, but later changing their stance and attempting to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: Can a landlord make the tenant stain an pre-existing deck prior to owning the a trailer and or Force owned trailer

Got approved to be in the trailer court purchased a trailer on a lot the lot already had a pre-existing deck and swing set and wants to do a walk-through of owned property to demand Force improvements is that allowed if they don't own it or are they allowed also to make me pay to remove and... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In general, a landlord cannot force a tenant to make improvements or modifications to a property that the tenant owns, such as a trailer. If you purchased the trailer and it is your property, the landlord should not have the right to demand that you stain a pre-existing deck or make other changes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: I signed an apartment lease with a guarantor and they have failed to fulfill obligation. What are my options? Arizona
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

If you are in Arizona and your guarantor has failed to fulfill their obligation under your apartment lease agreement, you have a few potential options:

1. Review your lease agreement: Carefully read through your lease to understand the specific terms and conditions related to the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: I rent from my employer when I asked for a pay increase I was told ok but your rent will increase is this legal?
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

The legality of your employer increasing your rent in response to a pay raise request depends on the specific circumstances and the laws in your location. Here are a few important considerations:

1. Employment laws: In most cases, it is legal for an employer to change the terms of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Landlord - Tenant and Sexual Harassment for Virginia on
Q: what do I do if my landlord sexually assaulted me & now says he's going to begin staying in my guest room

Given the sensitive nature of my situation, I would appreciate your guidance on the following: My landlord, who is also the father of my long-time best friend, sexually assaulted me. Now, he has informed me that he intends to begin staying in my guest room. The condo I reside in was purchased by... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm so sorry you are going through this incredibly difficult and scary situation. What your landlord has done is sexual assault and the coercion he is engaging in now is abusive and illegal. You have every right to feel safe in your own home. I would advise the following steps to protect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: What can I do when my landlord unlawfully enters my apartment?

A maintenance worker entered my apartment today while I was home. I was not dressed for the day and they entered without notice or even knocking and no emergency existed. What are my options? If I want to end my lease how long do I have to do that and how long do I have to notify my landlord of my... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

If your landlord or their representative (such as a maintenance worker) unlawfully enters your apartment, you have several options:

1. Document the incident: Write down the date, time, and details of the unlawful entry. If possible, take photos or videos as evidence.

2. Communicate...
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