Requesting Proofread of Letter to Landlord (Last Question, Promise!)
May 30, 2022 6:23 PM Subscribe
At the beginning of May, I moved into a studio unit in Contra Costa County in the East Bay Area, California. My landlord suddenly made a sexual pass at me over one week later, and I have been dealing with retaliatory behavior. I have written him an E-mail that I will send to him tomorrow regarding being forced to vacate. I have signed a new lease for a different place beginning on 6/15. Would anyone be able to proofread the letter, please?
Please see above for the "in a nutshell" information. I spoke with a laywer last week from the Contra Costa Bar Association, as well as someone from Bay Legal Aid. I combined their advice and information into this: I will be writing an E-mail to my landlord prior to 6/1/22 (will send it tomorrow), and in it I will be stating that I am forced to vacate. Rather than a 30-day notice, due to the inhospitable living conditions, this is an exception to that law as a tenant. I will outline all documented instances wherein I felt threatened, or it was otherwise an unlivable condition.
I would greatly appreciate it if folks could proofread the draft, and suggest any edits/deletions. I only have one shot at doing this, and need to ensure that everything is spelled out and as objective as possible. Thank you! Here is the letter:
"Dear Landlord,
I am writing you this message in regards to being forced to vacate the premises at [address]. My last day in the studio unit will be June 15, 2022. Due to the inhospitable living conditions outlined below, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date.
When initially viewing the property, I was notified that the unit would be cleaned prior to a tenant moving in. I took you at your word, and signed the lease on April 4, 2022. I E-mailed you a scanned copy, but I never received your signature on the lease. If it was signed, it was never sent to me. You informed me that I could begin moving my belongings in on April 26, 2022, and we arranged for me to retrieve the key on April 28, 2022. On this date, you notified me that you left a key for me in the mailbox, and I notified you that I had retrieved it. When I entered the unit, it was not cleaned. There were matted, copious amounts of dog hair on all areas of the floor, especially under and around the bed. There was dust and dirt on the floor, and one of the plastic tubing strips on the windows was falling off. Some of the window blinds were broken, and you told me that I could repair them if I wanted to. There were numerous spiders, pincher bugs, and cockroaches in the unit, dried food on the floor and counters in the kitchen, human hair in the bathroom sink, and the bathroom waste receptacle still had the previous tenant’s garbage in it. There was a sticky substance under the kitchen sink that a tenant had previously spilled, and there was a swarm of ants in and around it.
I began moving my belongings in on April 29 and 30, 2022, and due to the amount of dirt, dust, and previous tenant’s filth, was forced to stay overnight in an alternate location. On May 1, 2022, I returned to the unit with more belongings, as well as a variety of cleaning supplies (vacuum cleaner, mop, cleaning chemicals, paper towels, and gloves). I was left with no other option but to clean the entire unit myself, despite being told verbally that it would be cleaned prior to me moving in. I spent the majority of my first day in the unit cleaning it, so that I would be physically able to unpack my belongings in a clean space. Even still while cleaning, cockroaches were crawling into my belongings that were open on the floor.
I sent you a text message on May 1, 2022 asking for the WiFi password, as you had notified me that you pay for it and the router is in your house. You did not respond. I was paying for a service- included in my rent- that I was unable to receive on my first day on the lease. I attempted to call you at 7:29 P.M. to no avail. Around 7:40 P.M. that evening, two Concord police officers came to the front yard looking for you. I opened my own door and asked them if I could help them with something. They said they were there to do a welfare check on you. I did not know where you were, or if or when you were returning. The officers asked if I had your phone number, and instructed me to call you from my cell phone. I called you at 7:41 P.M., and you did not answer. The officers left. Later that evening when you came home, you were nearly in your house by the time I saw that you had even arrived, and I had to rush to stop you so that I could ask for the WiFi password in-person, since you were not responding to other forms of communication. You provided the password, and I connected to the Internet.
On May 10, 2022, you made several sexually suggestive comments to me, followed by sexual advances via text message. Around 9:00 P.M. PST, I arrived home and saw you on the sidewalk speaking with the driver of a tow truck who had finished helping you with your car. When he departed, we had a reasonable conversation, and you were showing courtesy by asking me how everything was going. I had mentioned hearing music at a club across the street a few evenings prior, and asked if you knew anything about it. You responded that you did not, but recommended Vinnie’s as a local bar establishment that provides music. In the next sentence, you stated that you shouldn’t be going there. When I inquired the reason, you replied that you always end up dating 22-year-old girls, and that when you think about it, they are “only 8 years older than my daughter.” I felt extremely uncomfortable in this moment, and unsure how to end the conversation. You later asked me if there was anything I needed in the studio, and I requested that the heater be turned on during cold nights, similar to the evening that night. You asked me what temperature I wanted, suggesting both 68 and 70 degrees. I responded that I would be happy with a compromise, right in the middle at 69 degrees. You responded to this with laughter, and commented that that is a great number. I did not respond. You then followed-up with another comment about how much you loved that number, and again that it is a great number. The conversation made me feel incredibly uneasy, and I needed to find a way to leave it immediately. I notified you that I needed to go inside as it was getting late, and I needed to wake up early for work the next day.
Around 10:15 P.M. PST on that same evening, you sent me a text message asking me why I got a divorce. Feeling trapped by the fact that you knew I was inside the unit, and not knowing whether or not you would use your key to open my door if I did not respond, I felt forced to respond. I replied with information about mental health concerns that I was still working on. We conversed about upbringings and childhood trauma following this, and the entire time, my blood was running cold because I felt I had to appease you out of fear of you doing something if I did not continue talking to you. You then asked me if I liked drinking, and invited me over to your house to talk and enjoy Bacardi. Out of disbelief and absolute panic as to what your motives were, I declined but asked for a raincheck for the following evening (May 11, 2022). I stated that I needed to wake up early. You continued to push the boundary that you had already crossed by asking, “You can’t come over and have one drink? Like 30 minutes??” I still declined the invitation. After we wished one another a good night, you sent another message asking me what my favorite drink was. Again, I was already panicking, and knowing that you simply would not leave the subject alone was alarming. I did not sleep for several hours, terrified that you were going to come into my unit and physically make a sexual advance on me. I woke up shaking the following morning (May 11, 2022), jumping at every noise and wishing that time would speed up so that I could leave for work sooner. I sent you a text message on the morning of May 11, 2022, with the established boundaries that I expected from our relationship: landlord-tenant. You responded that there were no worries, and to have a great day.
Your inappropriate comments crossed a line, and not simply a line with me. You crossed a line that should never be crossed by someone who is in a position of power over someone else, as in a landlord-tenant relationship. There is no excuse for your behavior, and I hope that one day you realize that an apology- despite that not being the ultimate closure- is warranted. Your behavior at the initial viewing and move-in were in stark contrast to this, and I moved into the unit because I felt safe with you as my landlord. You destroyed that trust, and have caused great upheaval in my life due to this choice you made. You have robbed me of the ability to live in peace here, and enjoy this beautiful area of the city on my own time and volition. Instead, I have departed and returned home every day wondering if you did something or plan to. I sincerely hope that you do not do this again to someone else, and that you will take a moment to consider the consequences of your actions prior to executing them.
When I first viewed the studio unit, you notified me that you had moved to [our city] from a very quiet neighborhood elsewhere, and you ensure that our street remains the same way. When I asked you during our initial conversation on May 10, 2022 about the strategies you implement for ensuring that our street remains quiet and peaceful, because it would be ideal for me to learn how to do this as well, you responded that you couldn’t tell me what you’ve done, because then I would need to call the police, and you did not want the police near here. However, there have been many evenings that I have not been able to sleep because of the noise you are generating in your own home. You have blasted loud music, a loud television, raised your voice throughout the house, and have slammed doors. You have apologized for the loud noises that your children produce when they are present, but this has not ceased. I have heard you through the walls riling them up and encouraging them to remain at high energy levels. They have slammed into walls and floors, and have screamed and raised their voices to the point where it has woken me up. On May 27, 2022, one of them was bouncing a ball outside while you were waiting for something, and at one point bounced it against the wall of my studio unit. I had to open my door for this behavior to cease, as you did not tell them to stop. While the noise in itself is not an issue, you had clearly stated that you and your family are quiet, and that you were also searching for a quiet tenant. This has not been the case, and it has not felt peaceful as promised.
During the initial viewing, I did not notice- nor was it mentioned- that the windows do not open. This is illegal, and is a fire hazard. The only object in the studio unit that opens is the front door, which I have been asked to keep closed while the air conditioner is on and have obliged. You have turned on the air conditioner even on cold days, and during the nights, forcing me to close the vents in my studio because the air is so cold at such inappropriate times. The air conditioner being on during these times has also prevented me from opening my own door, which is the only source of fresh air in the unit.
On May 20, 2022, I notified you via text message that I would be opening my door because there was a strong smell in the studio. Several hours prior, you had used a strong chemical agent in your room closest to the interior adjoining door between your house and my studio. The odor was so strong that my eyes began burning, and I quickly became short of breath. I was in an online meeting at this moment, and was required to stay despite not being able to breathe. After leaving the unit for a few hours, the smell was extremely potent when I returned, which is when I sent you the aforementioned text message. Your response to my message was an emoji of a woman with a short haircut doing a facepalm. This was your only response.
On May 22, 2022, your car was parked so close to my window that faces your gravel driveway that when your child opened the rear passenger door, the door slammed into my window. When I looked through the blinds to find the origin of the noise, I saw your child getting into the car as if nothing had transpired. You did not acknowledge the incident at all, nor did you make any notice to them to be careful. If there are any physical damages to the window upon your inspection, I will not be held responsible.
Every day since moving in, there have been several new spiders and other bugs in the unit. I wake up each morning to a spider or cockroach in the shower, in or near my work bag, and on the wall. I have seen cockroaches crawl out from behind a box or bag on the floor of the unit during the daylight hours, and hear bugs chewing and moving around the floor every night after the lights are turned off. There have been pincher bugs and silverfish in the curtains, shower, and doors. There are new spiders and webs in all areas of the house each day; I have found them in my towels and clothing, and must carefully inspect every item I pick up in order to ensure that it is free of this, as I have seen at least three black widows outside of my door during the evenings. On May 27, 2022, I notified you via text message of the interior bug issue, as I realized that it was not an issue that would resolve itself through the presence of human activity alone over time. I did not hear from you until May 30, 2022 when I sent you a follow-up text message about the issue. You responded that you were out of town, that today (May 30, 2022) was a holiday, and you would take care of it tomorrow (May 31, 2022). As of this letter, I still require to be present to grant entry into my unit if and when this appointment transpires.
When I sent you a text message on May 27, 2022 in regards to the bug issue, I was not aware that you would be out of town. Some of these days were hotter than others, and because I did not know when you were returning, I kept my door closed, since I did not know if you would be home soon and turning on the air conditioner. On those warmer days, I had only my ceiling fan to use to keep cool. I did not even have a choice whether or not to use a cooling unit.
I hereby request an inspection of the studio unit from you on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. PST. If you are not able to attend on this date and time, I expect to be notified as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. I will be present during this inspection, and I will only grant entry to my unit upon being present. Following the inspection, I expect to receive the full $1,500 security deposit either sent to me via Venmo, or mailed to me at the following address: [Address]. Due to the inhospitable living conditions and being forced to vacate in the middle of a rental period, I also expect to receive the balance of the $1,500 that I paid you via Venmo on April 5, 2022 as the “Last Month Rent” portion. To clarify, since I will not be residing in the unit from June 16, 2022 – June 30, 2022, I expect to receive the appropriate portion of this $1,500 returned to me either via Venmo or at the above mailing address.
Sincerely,
Jangatroo - Tenant"
Please see above for the "in a nutshell" information. I spoke with a laywer last week from the Contra Costa Bar Association, as well as someone from Bay Legal Aid. I combined their advice and information into this: I will be writing an E-mail to my landlord prior to 6/1/22 (will send it tomorrow), and in it I will be stating that I am forced to vacate. Rather than a 30-day notice, due to the inhospitable living conditions, this is an exception to that law as a tenant. I will outline all documented instances wherein I felt threatened, or it was otherwise an unlivable condition.
I would greatly appreciate it if folks could proofread the draft, and suggest any edits/deletions. I only have one shot at doing this, and need to ensure that everything is spelled out and as objective as possible. Thank you! Here is the letter:
"Dear Landlord,
I am writing you this message in regards to being forced to vacate the premises at [address]. My last day in the studio unit will be June 15, 2022. Due to the inhospitable living conditions outlined below, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date.
When initially viewing the property, I was notified that the unit would be cleaned prior to a tenant moving in. I took you at your word, and signed the lease on April 4, 2022. I E-mailed you a scanned copy, but I never received your signature on the lease. If it was signed, it was never sent to me. You informed me that I could begin moving my belongings in on April 26, 2022, and we arranged for me to retrieve the key on April 28, 2022. On this date, you notified me that you left a key for me in the mailbox, and I notified you that I had retrieved it. When I entered the unit, it was not cleaned. There were matted, copious amounts of dog hair on all areas of the floor, especially under and around the bed. There was dust and dirt on the floor, and one of the plastic tubing strips on the windows was falling off. Some of the window blinds were broken, and you told me that I could repair them if I wanted to. There were numerous spiders, pincher bugs, and cockroaches in the unit, dried food on the floor and counters in the kitchen, human hair in the bathroom sink, and the bathroom waste receptacle still had the previous tenant’s garbage in it. There was a sticky substance under the kitchen sink that a tenant had previously spilled, and there was a swarm of ants in and around it.
I began moving my belongings in on April 29 and 30, 2022, and due to the amount of dirt, dust, and previous tenant’s filth, was forced to stay overnight in an alternate location. On May 1, 2022, I returned to the unit with more belongings, as well as a variety of cleaning supplies (vacuum cleaner, mop, cleaning chemicals, paper towels, and gloves). I was left with no other option but to clean the entire unit myself, despite being told verbally that it would be cleaned prior to me moving in. I spent the majority of my first day in the unit cleaning it, so that I would be physically able to unpack my belongings in a clean space. Even still while cleaning, cockroaches were crawling into my belongings that were open on the floor.
I sent you a text message on May 1, 2022 asking for the WiFi password, as you had notified me that you pay for it and the router is in your house. You did not respond. I was paying for a service- included in my rent- that I was unable to receive on my first day on the lease. I attempted to call you at 7:29 P.M. to no avail. Around 7:40 P.M. that evening, two Concord police officers came to the front yard looking for you. I opened my own door and asked them if I could help them with something. They said they were there to do a welfare check on you. I did not know where you were, or if or when you were returning. The officers asked if I had your phone number, and instructed me to call you from my cell phone. I called you at 7:41 P.M., and you did not answer. The officers left. Later that evening when you came home, you were nearly in your house by the time I saw that you had even arrived, and I had to rush to stop you so that I could ask for the WiFi password in-person, since you were not responding to other forms of communication. You provided the password, and I connected to the Internet.
On May 10, 2022, you made several sexually suggestive comments to me, followed by sexual advances via text message. Around 9:00 P.M. PST, I arrived home and saw you on the sidewalk speaking with the driver of a tow truck who had finished helping you with your car. When he departed, we had a reasonable conversation, and you were showing courtesy by asking me how everything was going. I had mentioned hearing music at a club across the street a few evenings prior, and asked if you knew anything about it. You responded that you did not, but recommended Vinnie’s as a local bar establishment that provides music. In the next sentence, you stated that you shouldn’t be going there. When I inquired the reason, you replied that you always end up dating 22-year-old girls, and that when you think about it, they are “only 8 years older than my daughter.” I felt extremely uncomfortable in this moment, and unsure how to end the conversation. You later asked me if there was anything I needed in the studio, and I requested that the heater be turned on during cold nights, similar to the evening that night. You asked me what temperature I wanted, suggesting both 68 and 70 degrees. I responded that I would be happy with a compromise, right in the middle at 69 degrees. You responded to this with laughter, and commented that that is a great number. I did not respond. You then followed-up with another comment about how much you loved that number, and again that it is a great number. The conversation made me feel incredibly uneasy, and I needed to find a way to leave it immediately. I notified you that I needed to go inside as it was getting late, and I needed to wake up early for work the next day.
Around 10:15 P.M. PST on that same evening, you sent me a text message asking me why I got a divorce. Feeling trapped by the fact that you knew I was inside the unit, and not knowing whether or not you would use your key to open my door if I did not respond, I felt forced to respond. I replied with information about mental health concerns that I was still working on. We conversed about upbringings and childhood trauma following this, and the entire time, my blood was running cold because I felt I had to appease you out of fear of you doing something if I did not continue talking to you. You then asked me if I liked drinking, and invited me over to your house to talk and enjoy Bacardi. Out of disbelief and absolute panic as to what your motives were, I declined but asked for a raincheck for the following evening (May 11, 2022). I stated that I needed to wake up early. You continued to push the boundary that you had already crossed by asking, “You can’t come over and have one drink? Like 30 minutes??” I still declined the invitation. After we wished one another a good night, you sent another message asking me what my favorite drink was. Again, I was already panicking, and knowing that you simply would not leave the subject alone was alarming. I did not sleep for several hours, terrified that you were going to come into my unit and physically make a sexual advance on me. I woke up shaking the following morning (May 11, 2022), jumping at every noise and wishing that time would speed up so that I could leave for work sooner. I sent you a text message on the morning of May 11, 2022, with the established boundaries that I expected from our relationship: landlord-tenant. You responded that there were no worries, and to have a great day.
Your inappropriate comments crossed a line, and not simply a line with me. You crossed a line that should never be crossed by someone who is in a position of power over someone else, as in a landlord-tenant relationship. There is no excuse for your behavior, and I hope that one day you realize that an apology- despite that not being the ultimate closure- is warranted. Your behavior at the initial viewing and move-in were in stark contrast to this, and I moved into the unit because I felt safe with you as my landlord. You destroyed that trust, and have caused great upheaval in my life due to this choice you made. You have robbed me of the ability to live in peace here, and enjoy this beautiful area of the city on my own time and volition. Instead, I have departed and returned home every day wondering if you did something or plan to. I sincerely hope that you do not do this again to someone else, and that you will take a moment to consider the consequences of your actions prior to executing them.
When I first viewed the studio unit, you notified me that you had moved to [our city] from a very quiet neighborhood elsewhere, and you ensure that our street remains the same way. When I asked you during our initial conversation on May 10, 2022 about the strategies you implement for ensuring that our street remains quiet and peaceful, because it would be ideal for me to learn how to do this as well, you responded that you couldn’t tell me what you’ve done, because then I would need to call the police, and you did not want the police near here. However, there have been many evenings that I have not been able to sleep because of the noise you are generating in your own home. You have blasted loud music, a loud television, raised your voice throughout the house, and have slammed doors. You have apologized for the loud noises that your children produce when they are present, but this has not ceased. I have heard you through the walls riling them up and encouraging them to remain at high energy levels. They have slammed into walls and floors, and have screamed and raised their voices to the point where it has woken me up. On May 27, 2022, one of them was bouncing a ball outside while you were waiting for something, and at one point bounced it against the wall of my studio unit. I had to open my door for this behavior to cease, as you did not tell them to stop. While the noise in itself is not an issue, you had clearly stated that you and your family are quiet, and that you were also searching for a quiet tenant. This has not been the case, and it has not felt peaceful as promised.
During the initial viewing, I did not notice- nor was it mentioned- that the windows do not open. This is illegal, and is a fire hazard. The only object in the studio unit that opens is the front door, which I have been asked to keep closed while the air conditioner is on and have obliged. You have turned on the air conditioner even on cold days, and during the nights, forcing me to close the vents in my studio because the air is so cold at such inappropriate times. The air conditioner being on during these times has also prevented me from opening my own door, which is the only source of fresh air in the unit.
On May 20, 2022, I notified you via text message that I would be opening my door because there was a strong smell in the studio. Several hours prior, you had used a strong chemical agent in your room closest to the interior adjoining door between your house and my studio. The odor was so strong that my eyes began burning, and I quickly became short of breath. I was in an online meeting at this moment, and was required to stay despite not being able to breathe. After leaving the unit for a few hours, the smell was extremely potent when I returned, which is when I sent you the aforementioned text message. Your response to my message was an emoji of a woman with a short haircut doing a facepalm. This was your only response.
On May 22, 2022, your car was parked so close to my window that faces your gravel driveway that when your child opened the rear passenger door, the door slammed into my window. When I looked through the blinds to find the origin of the noise, I saw your child getting into the car as if nothing had transpired. You did not acknowledge the incident at all, nor did you make any notice to them to be careful. If there are any physical damages to the window upon your inspection, I will not be held responsible.
Every day since moving in, there have been several new spiders and other bugs in the unit. I wake up each morning to a spider or cockroach in the shower, in or near my work bag, and on the wall. I have seen cockroaches crawl out from behind a box or bag on the floor of the unit during the daylight hours, and hear bugs chewing and moving around the floor every night after the lights are turned off. There have been pincher bugs and silverfish in the curtains, shower, and doors. There are new spiders and webs in all areas of the house each day; I have found them in my towels and clothing, and must carefully inspect every item I pick up in order to ensure that it is free of this, as I have seen at least three black widows outside of my door during the evenings. On May 27, 2022, I notified you via text message of the interior bug issue, as I realized that it was not an issue that would resolve itself through the presence of human activity alone over time. I did not hear from you until May 30, 2022 when I sent you a follow-up text message about the issue. You responded that you were out of town, that today (May 30, 2022) was a holiday, and you would take care of it tomorrow (May 31, 2022). As of this letter, I still require to be present to grant entry into my unit if and when this appointment transpires.
When I sent you a text message on May 27, 2022 in regards to the bug issue, I was not aware that you would be out of town. Some of these days were hotter than others, and because I did not know when you were returning, I kept my door closed, since I did not know if you would be home soon and turning on the air conditioner. On those warmer days, I had only my ceiling fan to use to keep cool. I did not even have a choice whether or not to use a cooling unit.
I hereby request an inspection of the studio unit from you on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. PST. If you are not able to attend on this date and time, I expect to be notified as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. I will be present during this inspection, and I will only grant entry to my unit upon being present. Following the inspection, I expect to receive the full $1,500 security deposit either sent to me via Venmo, or mailed to me at the following address: [Address]. Due to the inhospitable living conditions and being forced to vacate in the middle of a rental period, I also expect to receive the balance of the $1,500 that I paid you via Venmo on April 5, 2022 as the “Last Month Rent” portion. To clarify, since I will not be residing in the unit from June 16, 2022 – June 30, 2022, I expect to receive the appropriate portion of this $1,500 returned to me either via Venmo or at the above mailing address.
Sincerely,
Jangatroo - Tenant"
You should really have your legal counsel proofread this.
posted by sevensnowflakes at 7:03 PM on May 30, 2022 [72 favorites]
posted by sevensnowflakes at 7:03 PM on May 30, 2022 [72 favorites]
Agree that the letter should be much more succinct and that you should not send it without legal counsel review.
posted by fies at 7:12 PM on May 30, 2022 [39 favorites]
posted by fies at 7:12 PM on May 30, 2022 [39 favorites]
I would pay a lawyer to draft a letter that states or implies legal repercussions for his misconduct, and they should send this on their letterhead on your behalf. And then I would take my valuables and myself and stay elsewhere until the inspection.
This guy is dangerous and this is going to upset him, and without a legal threat you have no leverage in this situation.
posted by kapers at 7:18 PM on May 30, 2022 [46 favorites]
This guy is dangerous and this is going to upset him, and without a legal threat you have no leverage in this situation.
posted by kapers at 7:18 PM on May 30, 2022 [46 favorites]
IANYL. I practiced in another state, but did significant landlord/tenant work. If you cannot get a letter written by a Legal Aid attorney, I agree with kinddieserzeit above, that you should significantly condense your letter as they suggest, take pictures of the condition of the unit, and move out. I don't think this level of detail in any way helps your case.
I'd also look for a landlord/tenant advocacy group in your area to see if you can get someone to help you prepare your case for court. I sincerely doubt that this landlord is going to refund you anything. You are going to have to take him to court in order to get any deposits or rent back.
Good luck, if you decide to take him to court.
posted by furtheryet at 7:22 PM on May 30, 2022 [23 favorites]
I'd also look for a landlord/tenant advocacy group in your area to see if you can get someone to help you prepare your case for court. I sincerely doubt that this landlord is going to refund you anything. You are going to have to take him to court in order to get any deposits or rent back.
Good luck, if you decide to take him to court.
posted by furtheryet at 7:22 PM on May 30, 2022 [23 favorites]
Consider condensing down to a set word count goal.
Personally, I think one page, roughly 4-500 words, is sufficient.
posted by Ahmad Khani at 7:24 PM on May 30, 2022 [4 favorites]
Personally, I think one page, roughly 4-500 words, is sufficient.
posted by Ahmad Khani at 7:24 PM on May 30, 2022 [4 favorites]
Seconding the comments above, this notice can be a very short letter - lawyer-reviewed if possible - sent on June 16 after you have left the unit.
From what you've described in previous posts and in this letter: this place seems unsafe -prioritize getting clear ASAP and before giving notice.
posted by mersen at 7:47 PM on May 30, 2022 [10 favorites]
From what you've described in previous posts and in this letter: this place seems unsafe -prioritize getting clear ASAP and before giving notice.
posted by mersen at 7:47 PM on May 30, 2022 [10 favorites]
Sorry you're going through this.
I recommend you break your lease using California Civil Code Section 1942: The Implied Warranty of Habitability in A California Tenancy. This page outlines how to do this and I think you have a strong case already simply due to the fact that the windows are sealed shut. The vermin, lack of proper heating and ventilation, and other issues, such as your landlord harassing you, should also be detailed and documented; there's really no need to try to condense things. Prepare this letter as if you're going to small claims court and a judge will read it (because you may have to in order to get the return of your deposit money). The more documentation you have, the better.
However, I strongly recommend you send your letter via Certified Mail, return receipt requested, in case this jerk tries to say he didn't receive your email.
I also highly recommend Bay Area Legal Aid and/or the California Court Self Help Website.
Good luck! I'm glad you found a new place and will be out of there soon.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 7:52 PM on May 30, 2022 [2 favorites]
I recommend you break your lease using California Civil Code Section 1942: The Implied Warranty of Habitability in A California Tenancy. This page outlines how to do this and I think you have a strong case already simply due to the fact that the windows are sealed shut. The vermin, lack of proper heating and ventilation, and other issues, such as your landlord harassing you, should also be detailed and documented; there's really no need to try to condense things. Prepare this letter as if you're going to small claims court and a judge will read it (because you may have to in order to get the return of your deposit money). The more documentation you have, the better.
However, I strongly recommend you send your letter via Certified Mail, return receipt requested, in case this jerk tries to say he didn't receive your email.
I also highly recommend Bay Area Legal Aid and/or the California Court Self Help Website.
Good luck! I'm glad you found a new place and will be out of there soon.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 7:52 PM on May 30, 2022 [2 favorites]
This is a minor nit that has nothing to do with whether this letter is good overall or in theory, but the times you mention are all in PDT, not PST (as we're currently in Daylight time in California). PT would also be fine.
posted by brainmouse at 7:53 PM on May 30, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by brainmouse at 7:53 PM on May 30, 2022 [3 favorites]
Please don't send this letter. It contains way too much unnecessary information. I couldn't be bothered finishing it (sorry!), so I highly doubt your landlord will. Short and concise, sticking purely to the facts, will benefit you greatly here.
So sorry you're dealing with this. I've been following your saga via askme, and it's a mess. I'm so glad you found a new place so quickly!
posted by cgg at 8:01 PM on May 30, 2022 [19 favorites]
So sorry you're dealing with this. I've been following your saga via askme, and it's a mess. I'm so glad you found a new place so quickly!
posted by cgg at 8:01 PM on May 30, 2022 [19 favorites]
I’ve taken a quick pass at condensing the letter without rewording anything but the first sentence. This version is ~700 words (down from ~2600) On preview, you may want to include something about the ventilation issues.
“Dear Landlord,
I am writing you this message [to notify you that I am vacating] the premises at [address]. My last day in the studio unit will be June 15, 2022. During the initial viewing, I did not notice- nor was it mentioned- that the windows do not open. This is illegal, and is a fire hazard.
Due to these unsafe conditions, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date.
I hereby request an inspection of the studio unit from you on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. PST. If you are not able to attend on this date and time, I expect to be notified as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. I will be present during this inspection, and I will only grant entry to my unit upon being present. Following the inspection, I expect to receive the full $1,500 security deposit either sent to me via Venmo, or mailed to me at the following address: [Address].
I also expect to receive the balance of the $1,500 that I paid you via Venmo on April 5, 2022 as the “Last Month Rent” portion. To clarify, since I will not be residing in the unit from June 16, 2022 – June 30, 2022, I expect to receive the appropriate portion of this $1,500 returned to me either via Venmo or at the above mailing address.
Please note that although I signed a lease lease on April 4, 2022 and I E-mailed you a scanned copy, I never received your signature on the lease. If it was signed, it was never sent to me.
Regarding the damage deposit and condition of the unit: When initially viewing the property, I was notified that the unit would be cleaned prior to a tenant moving in. we arranged for me to retrieve the key on April 28, 2022. When I entered the unit, it was not cleaned. There were matted, copious amounts of dog hair on all areas of the floor, especially under and around the bed. There was dust and dirt on the floor, and one of the plastic tubing strips on the windows was falling off. Some of the window blinds were broken, and you told me that I could repair them if I wanted to. There were numerous spiders, pincher bugs, and cockroaches in the unit, dried food on the floor and counters in the kitchen, human hair in the bathroom sink, and the bathroom waste receptacle still had the previous tenant’s garbage in it. There was a sticky substance under the kitchen sink that a tenant had previously spilled, and there was a swarm of ants in and around it.
Every day since moving in, there have been several new spiders and other bugs in the unit. spider or cockroach in the shower, in or near my work bag, and on the wall. I have seen cockroaches crawl out from behind a box or bag on the floor of the unit during the daylight hours, and hear bugs chewing and moving around the floor every night after the lights are turned off. There have been pincher bugs and silverfish in the curtains, shower, and doors. There are new spiders and webs in all areas of the house each day; On May 27, 2022, I notified you of the issue via text message, I did not hear from you until May 30, 2022 when I sent you a follow-up text message about the issue. You responded that you were out of town, that today (May 30, 2022) was a holiday, and you would take care of it tomorrow (May 31, 2022). As of this letter, I still require to be present to grant entry into my unit if and when this appointment transpires.
Also, On May 22, 2022, your car was parked so close to my window that faces your gravel driveway that when your child opened the rear passenger door, the door slammed into my window. If there are any physical damages to the window upon your inspection, I will not be held responsible.
Sincerely,”
posted by delezzo at 8:04 PM on May 30, 2022 [17 favorites]
“Dear Landlord,
I am writing you this message [to notify you that I am vacating] the premises at [address]. My last day in the studio unit will be June 15, 2022. During the initial viewing, I did not notice- nor was it mentioned- that the windows do not open. This is illegal, and is a fire hazard.
Due to these unsafe conditions, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date.
I hereby request an inspection of the studio unit from you on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. PST. If you are not able to attend on this date and time, I expect to be notified as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. I will be present during this inspection, and I will only grant entry to my unit upon being present. Following the inspection, I expect to receive the full $1,500 security deposit either sent to me via Venmo, or mailed to me at the following address: [Address].
I also expect to receive the balance of the $1,500 that I paid you via Venmo on April 5, 2022 as the “Last Month Rent” portion. To clarify, since I will not be residing in the unit from June 16, 2022 – June 30, 2022, I expect to receive the appropriate portion of this $1,500 returned to me either via Venmo or at the above mailing address.
Please note that although I signed a lease lease on April 4, 2022 and I E-mailed you a scanned copy, I never received your signature on the lease. If it was signed, it was never sent to me.
Regarding the damage deposit and condition of the unit: When initially viewing the property, I was notified that the unit would be cleaned prior to a tenant moving in. we arranged for me to retrieve the key on April 28, 2022. When I entered the unit, it was not cleaned. There were matted, copious amounts of dog hair on all areas of the floor, especially under and around the bed. There was dust and dirt on the floor, and one of the plastic tubing strips on the windows was falling off. Some of the window blinds were broken, and you told me that I could repair them if I wanted to. There were numerous spiders, pincher bugs, and cockroaches in the unit, dried food on the floor and counters in the kitchen, human hair in the bathroom sink, and the bathroom waste receptacle still had the previous tenant’s garbage in it. There was a sticky substance under the kitchen sink that a tenant had previously spilled, and there was a swarm of ants in and around it.
Every day since moving in, there have been several new spiders and other bugs in the unit. spider or cockroach in the shower, in or near my work bag, and on the wall. I have seen cockroaches crawl out from behind a box or bag on the floor of the unit during the daylight hours, and hear bugs chewing and moving around the floor every night after the lights are turned off. There have been pincher bugs and silverfish in the curtains, shower, and doors. There are new spiders and webs in all areas of the house each day; On May 27, 2022, I notified you of the issue via text message, I did not hear from you until May 30, 2022 when I sent you a follow-up text message about the issue. You responded that you were out of town, that today (May 30, 2022) was a holiday, and you would take care of it tomorrow (May 31, 2022). As of this letter, I still require to be present to grant entry into my unit if and when this appointment transpires.
Also, On May 22, 2022, your car was parked so close to my window that faces your gravel driveway that when your child opened the rear passenger door, the door slammed into my window. If there are any physical damages to the window upon your inspection, I will not be held responsible.
Sincerely,”
posted by delezzo at 8:04 PM on May 30, 2022 [17 favorites]
Your letter is hard to read because it’s a wall of text. If you keep this level of detail, consider a different formatting regime, perhaps including topical sub headings, bullets and new lines/indents for each date cited, especially since it jumps around in time a little.
I think you might consider toning down the details about how you feel (e.g., how you woke up shaking, etc.), not because your feelings are invalid but because they are subjective and allow him to claim you misunderstood and are somewhat hysterical. You have plenty of objective facts on your side: the vermin, the locked windows, the noise, and also the creepy interactions.
With the exception of the landlord’s crude innuendo and inappropriate invitations, the rest can be affirmed by neutral third parties. Get an exterminator into the unit to write up an evaluation of the infestation. Take photos of the closed windows and cite the relevant building and safety code. Use the next two weeks to document the issues so you’re ready for small claims court, if/when it comes to that. Send the letter after you’ve vacated the premises.
posted by carmicha at 8:07 PM on May 30, 2022 [15 favorites]
I think you might consider toning down the details about how you feel (e.g., how you woke up shaking, etc.), not because your feelings are invalid but because they are subjective and allow him to claim you misunderstood and are somewhat hysterical. You have plenty of objective facts on your side: the vermin, the locked windows, the noise, and also the creepy interactions.
With the exception of the landlord’s crude innuendo and inappropriate invitations, the rest can be affirmed by neutral third parties. Get an exterminator into the unit to write up an evaluation of the infestation. Take photos of the closed windows and cite the relevant building and safety code. Use the next two weeks to document the issues so you’re ready for small claims court, if/when it comes to that. Send the letter after you’ve vacated the premises.
posted by carmicha at 8:07 PM on May 30, 2022 [15 favorites]
I would be really worried about living there for two weeks after sending this (and even if you send a shortened version). Is there anywhere else you can stay temporarily?
posted by pinochiette at 8:09 PM on May 30, 2022 [13 favorites]
posted by pinochiette at 8:09 PM on May 30, 2022 [13 favorites]
You might consider getting a PO Box for him to send the check to, rather than a physical location.
posted by happy_cat at 8:20 PM on May 30, 2022 [24 favorites]
posted by happy_cat at 8:20 PM on May 30, 2022 [24 favorites]
Seconding happy_cat re: the PO Box. I did exactly this when leaving an unstable living situation and a wildly unpredictable landlord. The box was something like $25 for six months, but the peace of mind was priceless.
posted by mochapickle at 8:32 PM on May 30, 2022 [11 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 8:32 PM on May 30, 2022 [11 favorites]
It is great that you have pulled together all that detail but it is unlikely to be required for your initial letter. Save all that information somewhere, together with any evidence (photos, screenshots etc) so you can use it if required.
Please avail yourself of any tenancy groups, legal clinic, lawyer you can and condense this down to cancellation without notice period, handover and a formal request to get your deposit and pro-rated last month back. My aim would be to make that sound as business like/lawyer drafted as possible if you can't get an actual lawyer to send it for you.
Be prepared not to get your money back or not to get it back without a long fight.
And yes, you really should not send him anything until you have safely got yourself and your stuff out of there. A reasonable person would not have done enough shady things to amount to that wall of text in less than a month. He clearly isn't reasonable.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:45 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
Please avail yourself of any tenancy groups, legal clinic, lawyer you can and condense this down to cancellation without notice period, handover and a formal request to get your deposit and pro-rated last month back. My aim would be to make that sound as business like/lawyer drafted as possible if you can't get an actual lawyer to send it for you.
Be prepared not to get your money back or not to get it back without a long fight.
And yes, you really should not send him anything until you have safely got yourself and your stuff out of there. A reasonable person would not have done enough shady things to amount to that wall of text in less than a month. He clearly isn't reasonable.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:45 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
Get out first, then send the letter and ask him to send the check to a PO box, please!
I agree with other comments about the substance of your letter. First, get your legal aid attorney to review it, if you can. Second, it should either be shorter or use sub-headings for topical issues (cleanliness, move in, safety problems like Windows, sexual harassment). I also share the inclination to focus on his conduct more and your feelings less.
posted by J. Wilson at 2:15 AM on May 31, 2022 [3 favorites]
I agree with other comments about the substance of your letter. First, get your legal aid attorney to review it, if you can. Second, it should either be shorter or use sub-headings for topical issues (cleanliness, move in, safety problems like Windows, sexual harassment). I also share the inclination to focus on his conduct more and your feelings less.
posted by J. Wilson at 2:15 AM on May 31, 2022 [3 favorites]
No....have the lawyer handle communication with him from now on.
posted by brujita at 5:19 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by brujita at 5:19 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
If you do decide to send a letter yourself, in addition to removing the parts about your feelings (which are so valid but do not belong in this letter), I would suggest removing anything not directly relating to the unit's habitability. The section about the welfare check jumped out at me - I'm not sure why it's in this letter. Likewise the part about trust and apologies - he did behave unforgivably and you do deserve an apology, but someone who acts like this isn't going to give you one, and you don't want to give him any further insight into your thoughts/feelings. Facts only, and about apartment habitability only.
I am, once again, so sorry you're dealing with any of this. I encourage you to move out ASAP, have your lawyer review and send the letter after you've done so, and make it a much shorter and less personal letter.
posted by Stacey at 6:21 AM on May 31, 2022 [10 favorites]
I am, once again, so sorry you're dealing with any of this. I encourage you to move out ASAP, have your lawyer review and send the letter after you've done so, and make it a much shorter and less personal letter.
posted by Stacey at 6:21 AM on May 31, 2022 [10 favorites]
I agree with other comments about the length, and how the communication ideally should be handled by an attorney, but since you asked for proofreading, in regards to doesn't need the S on regards.
posted by emelenjr at 6:50 AM on May 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by emelenjr at 6:50 AM on May 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think it's GREAT that you wrote this letter. But I think it is a first draft, emotion-venting letter (which is important!) not a letter to send to your awful landlord. I would suggest sending all communique through a lawyer if that's possible, but if not, can you imagine that you were a lawyer writing a letter on this topic, rather than the victim of a truly shitty situation? Think dispassionate tone, few adjectives or description of feelings, perhaps bulleting out the key points? No more than one page long. Your goal is not to convince the landlord that he has done something wrong. The point is to make it clear that your case is strong and you are not to be fucked with. Again, good for you for writing this first letter-- don't let the (helpful) feedback you are getting in this thread make you feel badly. The feelings and tone are completely valid given what you've been through, even if they may not totally fit the bill for what you are trying to accomplish here. Also, I would include the elements about sexual harassment but keep it as dispassionate as possible. Be safe and be kind to yourself. This is a lot.
posted by jeszac at 7:18 AM on May 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by jeszac at 7:18 AM on May 31, 2022 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you all for the responses. I did purchase a P.O. box this past Friday, and that will be the address that I end up putting in the letter (if I do send it).
I am noticing a lot of recommendations to wait to send the letter until I have already moved out. In this case, should I still pay $1,500 tomorrow for June rent, since he does not know that I planned to use the $1,500 (sent via Venmo in April) to cover the last month's rent? I do not want to be out an additional $1,500 and have one more financial struggle to worry about if it did come down to court. I just don't want him to have any legal leverage if I still have not paid June rent this week.
I will be calling the same lawyer today with whom I spoke from the Contra Costa Bar Association. I do not have an alternative place to stay; a hotel may be my best option for these next couple of weeks.
posted by Jangatroo at 7:38 AM on May 31, 2022
I am noticing a lot of recommendations to wait to send the letter until I have already moved out. In this case, should I still pay $1,500 tomorrow for June rent, since he does not know that I planned to use the $1,500 (sent via Venmo in April) to cover the last month's rent? I do not want to be out an additional $1,500 and have one more financial struggle to worry about if it did come down to court. I just don't want him to have any legal leverage if I still have not paid June rent this week.
I will be calling the same lawyer today with whom I spoke from the Contra Costa Bar Association. I do not have an alternative place to stay; a hotel may be my best option for these next couple of weeks.
posted by Jangatroo at 7:38 AM on May 31, 2022
A few questions:
1. Did you make a payment for the security deposit and an additional separate payment for last month's rent?
2. What amount of the money already in the landlord's hands could you afford to walk away from?
3. What's the story with the inspection? Is this something required under the lease or state/local law, or is it just that you want the inspection so the landlord can't claim damages and keep your security deposit?
I don't know your local law or the terms of your lease, but if the "last month's rent" is in fact intended to pay the rent for your last month of residency I'd be inclined to pay nothing this month. Potentially you may have to walk away from half of your last month's rent. If a formal inspection is not required under under the lease or state/local law, I suggest you don't bother with it. If there is such a requirement, I'd schedule it for some day after you vacate the apartment. In lieu of a formal inspection, you could to a walk-around the empty apartment (with a witness if possible) to video the entire apartment with narrative (e.g., "this is the bedroom window, which doesn't open; this nick on the windowsill was there when I moved in" and so on).
I'd suggest a letter sent certified mail with return receipt requested saying something like this:
posted by slkinsey at 9:04 AM on May 31, 2022 [10 favorites]
1. Did you make a payment for the security deposit and an additional separate payment for last month's rent?
2. What amount of the money already in the landlord's hands could you afford to walk away from?
3. What's the story with the inspection? Is this something required under the lease or state/local law, or is it just that you want the inspection so the landlord can't claim damages and keep your security deposit?
I don't know your local law or the terms of your lease, but if the "last month's rent" is in fact intended to pay the rent for your last month of residency I'd be inclined to pay nothing this month. Potentially you may have to walk away from half of your last month's rent. If a formal inspection is not required under under the lease or state/local law, I suggest you don't bother with it. If there is such a requirement, I'd schedule it for some day after you vacate the apartment. In lieu of a formal inspection, you could to a walk-around the empty apartment (with a witness if possible) to video the entire apartment with narrative (e.g., "this is the bedroom window, which doesn't open; this nick on the windowsill was there when I moved in" and so on).
I'd suggest a letter sent certified mail with return receipt requested saying something like this:
Dear Landlord,I don't think you want or need to send any more words than that.
This letter represents my notice to you that I will terminate the lease for the studio apartment at 1 Main Street, Anytown CA (the "Apartment") and vacate the Apartment as of June 15, 2022 at 5:00 PM PDT. The Apartment is infested with insects and the windows of the Apartment do not open, which creates a health, safety and fire risk that makes it untenable for me to maintain residency in the Apartment. My rent for the period of June 1 to June 15, 2022, in the amount of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750), shall be debited from the one thousand five hundred dollar ($1,500) "Last Month's Rent" paid to you on April 1, 2022.
I have documented the current condition of the Apartment with photographs. Should you wish to make an in-person inspection of the Apartment prior to my vacancy I will be available together with a third party on the evening of June 14, 2022, or on another mutually agreed date and time. In consideration of the Apartment's condition when I commenced residency--viz. copious amounts of dog hair, dust, dirt and food remnants on the floor, broken window blinds, unemptied garbage and human hair in the bathroom, significant numbers of live and dead insects, inoperable windows, etc.--I expect to be refunded the full one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) of my Security Deposit together with the seven hundred fifty dollar ($750) balance of my Last Month's Rent, for an aggregate amount of two thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($2,250), no later than June 30, 2022.
Sincerely, Jangatroo
posted by slkinsey at 9:04 AM on May 31, 2022 [10 favorites]
I'm glad you'll be speaking with the lawyer, and I agree with the caution to send this notice only after you've moved out. Another way to shorten it a lot for your lawyer to weigh in on would be to say something like...
"...Due to any of a number of conditions, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date. I have detailed, written documentation of each of these conditions should it be needed:
- Illegal fire hazard; namely, windows that don't open, such that a single door is the only egress.
- Failure to provide an appropriately clean living environment, with violations including pest infestation and extreme filth upon move-in, in contradiction of our written agreement.
- Inappropriately sexual remarks, including documented text messages.
- ...[and so on for each issue -- just name it, provide one egregious highlight, and hang on to the rest of your detailed documentation 'should it be needed.']"
posted by daisyace at 9:11 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
"...Due to any of a number of conditions, this notice is sufficient to warrant my leave on the aforementioned date. I have detailed, written documentation of each of these conditions should it be needed:
- Illegal fire hazard; namely, windows that don't open, such that a single door is the only egress.
- Failure to provide an appropriately clean living environment, with violations including pest infestation and extreme filth upon move-in, in contradiction of our written agreement.
- Inappropriately sexual remarks, including documented text messages.
- ...[and so on for each issue -- just name it, provide one egregious highlight, and hang on to the rest of your detailed documentation 'should it be needed.']"
posted by daisyace at 9:11 AM on May 31, 2022 [5 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you for these follow-up responses. I spoke with the lawyer a few minutes ago, and he strongly advised sending the letter now. He said that if anything further transpires as a result of the letter (landlord creating damages, retaliating, etc.), that that is when I am to notify the police, acquire a restraining order, and consider hiring him to represent my case. He said that the minimum to hire him is $2,000, which includes the $300/hour fee. I cannot afford this, and he advises against it unless absolutely necessary.
slkinsey, to answer your questions:
(1) Yes, I paid him $1,500 for First Month (May) on 4/4/22, $1,500 for Security Deposit on 4/5/22, and $1,500 for Last Month (which I will use for June) on 4/5/22.
(2) I am already struggling to make ends meet as it is; currently working at a job that pays significantly less than education, but working there while on medical leave for jaw surgery that occurred in January. I cannot afford to lose anything, but if I had to walk away from the balance of the $1,500 for Last Month Rent (June), that would be all I could do.
(3) Both the lawyer and a representative from Bay Legal informed me that a formal inspection by the landlord is required by law 2 weeks after moving out, but due to my situation being an exception all around, I could request the inspection anytime after 6/1.
I appreciate both suggestions as to how to navigate around that, and may utilize the option of taking photographing and video evidence with another witness present.
posted by Jangatroo at 9:36 AM on May 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
slkinsey, to answer your questions:
(1) Yes, I paid him $1,500 for First Month (May) on 4/4/22, $1,500 for Security Deposit on 4/5/22, and $1,500 for Last Month (which I will use for June) on 4/5/22.
(2) I am already struggling to make ends meet as it is; currently working at a job that pays significantly less than education, but working there while on medical leave for jaw surgery that occurred in January. I cannot afford to lose anything, but if I had to walk away from the balance of the $1,500 for Last Month Rent (June), that would be all I could do.
(3) Both the lawyer and a representative from Bay Legal informed me that a formal inspection by the landlord is required by law 2 weeks after moving out, but due to my situation being an exception all around, I could request the inspection anytime after 6/1.
I appreciate both suggestions as to how to navigate around that, and may utilize the option of taking photographing and video evidence with another witness present.
posted by Jangatroo at 9:36 AM on May 31, 2022 [1 favorite]
Can you utilize the $1500 (that you have available and were going to use to pay June's rent) for a hotel or airbnb?
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:33 PM on May 31, 2022
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:33 PM on May 31, 2022
Response by poster: needs more cowbell, that $1,500 is being used to pay for June at least through the 15th. Thank you for the suggestion, though!
Just a quick update because I need to document somewhere public: I sent the E-mail to him at 18:51 PDT yesterday (BCC'd trusted loved ones), and also sent a certified mail receipt with a physical copy of the letter that should arrive tomorrow. He texted me today telling me to pay the rent for June, and I referred him to the E-mail. He said he never received it, so I verified his E-mail address with him and then provided him with the timestamp. I also let him know that I mailed a physical copy postmarked yesterday. He cannot wriggle out of this one.
Since sending that information, he has gone radio silent, and I'm scared of what's next. I still have the lawyer's number from the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and may very well need to utilize his services. Still debating where to stay tonight, and I'm almost off work and don't want to go home.
posted by Jangatroo at 1:14 PM on June 1, 2022
Just a quick update because I need to document somewhere public: I sent the E-mail to him at 18:51 PDT yesterday (BCC'd trusted loved ones), and also sent a certified mail receipt with a physical copy of the letter that should arrive tomorrow. He texted me today telling me to pay the rent for June, and I referred him to the E-mail. He said he never received it, so I verified his E-mail address with him and then provided him with the timestamp. I also let him know that I mailed a physical copy postmarked yesterday. He cannot wriggle out of this one.
Since sending that information, he has gone radio silent, and I'm scared of what's next. I still have the lawyer's number from the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and may very well need to utilize his services. Still debating where to stay tonight, and I'm almost off work and don't want to go home.
posted by Jangatroo at 1:14 PM on June 1, 2022
Response by poster: Another quick update: Landlord responded to my E-mail, outlining his justifications/reasons for his behavior, only mentioning the sexual advances ("I'm a friendly person") and not notifying me about his going on vacation when I had messaged him about the bug issue and left me without any climate control ("I was on vacation with my children"). He addressed nothing about the legal issues such as the windows not opening, not sending me a signed lease, or the vermin. This person is bad news. A sketchy, skeevy person who has clearly gotten away with lying previously via smooth-talking.
He did, however, at the end of the E-mail state that "an official response is coming soon." This means he's lawyering up, correct? I called the lawyer back from the CCCBA and left a voicemail stating that I would like to proceed with hiring him.
posted by Jangatroo at 2:43 PM on June 1, 2022
He did, however, at the end of the E-mail state that "an official response is coming soon." This means he's lawyering up, correct? I called the lawyer back from the CCCBA and left a voicemail stating that I would like to proceed with hiring him.
posted by Jangatroo at 2:43 PM on June 1, 2022
Ugh, don't let this fucko scare you with "official responses"....he's too cheap to hire a lawyer, I'm sure. He's a blowhard and a bully and you're in the right. Follow your lawyer's advice and stay alert til you get the fuck out of there.
posted by tristeza at 11:51 AM on June 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by tristeza at 11:51 AM on June 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
I would not hire a lawyer with a retainer of $2000 just to recoup $2250. Even if you win in court, he might never pay you, and then you'd be out $4250 or more. I get that this guy is wrong, but moving on as smoothly as possible is your goal here.
posted by slidell at 10:11 PM on June 2, 2022 [9 favorites]
posted by slidell at 10:11 PM on June 2, 2022 [9 favorites]
I would wait to see what the “official response” is before retaining a lawyer. (If he is lawyering up his lawyer is not going to be happy he didn’t deny any of the behavior!) You will have to consider the finances as Slidell says. It may be worth letting go of your deposit and full month of rent to get out of this safely and be done with him forever.
posted by kapers at 11:02 AM on June 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by kapers at 11:02 AM on June 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
PS what an absolute creep, I’m so glad you listened to your gut on him!
posted by kapers at 11:04 AM on June 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by kapers at 11:04 AM on June 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you all. I sent him an E-mail about an initial inspection, even citing that it is the law for a tenant to have the initial inspection prior to moving out so that they have the chance to repair any damages found by the landlord. My landlord is refusing to accept an initial inspection date while I am still living there, and is suggesting the 16th (day after I move out). He is also saying that he will find someone to do the walkthrough on his behalf.
I am so incredibly lost and exhausted at this point. No one from Bay Legal Aid or the CCCBA has returned my calls like they said they would. I feel blown off and just... Helpless.
posted by Jangatroo at 2:14 PM on June 3, 2022
I am so incredibly lost and exhausted at this point. No one from Bay Legal Aid or the CCCBA has returned my calls like they said they would. I feel blown off and just... Helpless.
posted by Jangatroo at 2:14 PM on June 3, 2022
Heads up that I believe the law is that the inspection must be during the final two weeks of the tenant's occupancy, which could explain why the earliest date he can do is the 16th -- two weeks before the end of the month.
posted by slidell at 6:14 PM on June 3, 2022
posted by slidell at 6:14 PM on June 3, 2022
Response by poster: Got it. Another update: My car window was "mysteriously" smashed in on Friday night, after I had messaged my landlord about needing to call the authorities (for a different reason).
posted by Jangatroo at 7:21 PM on June 6, 2022
posted by Jangatroo at 7:21 PM on June 6, 2022
Jangatroo, can you stay with a friend between now and the 15th?
posted by be11e at 11:07 PM on June 6, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by be11e at 11:07 PM on June 6, 2022 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: be11e, thankfully two friends have offered their places to stay until the 15th! Thank goodness.
posted by Jangatroo at 10:20 AM on June 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Jangatroo at 10:20 AM on June 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
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Are you able to stay elsewhere until you can move into your new place?
My suggestion would be, if possible, to move out, take photos of the condition of the place, then provide him with a succinct letter of your notice. If you go ahead with an inspection in person, have someone with you.
Your letter could be condensed to the first paragraph, the last paragraph, one or two paragraphs maximum outlining all the issues. Edit the final paragraph depending on what you decide regarding inspections.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 6:46 PM on May 30, 2022 [20 favorites]