Help, more of a mess!

[Anisah_H]

I live in NJ. I've been renting a room in a condo for one month, I have 3 children and me in the room (share kit and bath). The neighbor downstairs has complained to the city about water leaking from our bath to hers, and the noise of my children and I in the condo. The landlord is pissed off at me, blaming me for having to spend a lot of money to fix the bathroom (which, according to the building maintenance, hasn't had regular maintenance, and has years of water damage), saying it never leaked before I came here. He says he has to do big fixing on the bathroom, and it won't be working for 2 weeks.

Now today he told me he will change the locks in 7 days, incinuating if I don't leave, my children could be taken away from me because we're in one room (they are ages 20 months, 8 year old girl, 10 year old boy). When I called the health department, they told me to call another department on Monday. They also said this is considered a rooming house, and that they are illegal in my township.

Will I get into trouble with the township or social services? I think he is so mad at me because of him knowing this is illegal, and didn't want to be caught. This is all I can afford, NJ is so expensive! Is him threating to change the locks considered harassment? I don't know if he believes he can do that, or he just pretends to to try to scare me into leaving before he does.

What recourses do I have, esp. since he is illegally renting rooms? I know it's illegal for him to change the locks without going to court, but if he does, do I call the police and have them make him open them or break it open?

I'm so frustrated!

Thanks.

A.

 

[BL]

I live in NJ. I've been renting a room in a condo for one month, I have 3 children and me in the room (share kit and bath). The neighbor downstairs has complained to the city about water leaking from our bath to hers, and the noise of my children and I in the condo. The landlord is pissed off at me, blaming me for having to spend a lot of money to fix the bathroom (which, according to the building maintenance, hasn't had regular maintenance, and has years of water damage), saying it never leaked before I came here. He says he has to do big fixing on the bathroom, and it won't be working for 2 weeks.

Now today he told me he will change the locks in 7 days, incinuating if I don't leave, my children could be taken away from me because we're in one room (they are ages 20 months, 8 year old girl, 10 year old boy). When I called the health department, they told me to call another department on Monday. They also said this is considered a rooming house, and that they are illegal in my township.

Will I get into trouble with the township or social services? I think he is so mad at me because of him knowing this is illegal, and didn't want to be caught. This is all I can afford, NJ is so expensive! Is him threating to change the locks considered harassment? I don't know if he believes he can do that, or he just pretends to to try to scare me into leaving before he does.

What recourses do I have, esp. since he is illegally renting rooms? I know it's illegal for him to change the locks without going to court, but if he does, do I call the police and have them make him open them or break it open?

I'm so frustrated!

Thanks.

A.

Monday is a holiday . Follow up with the Advice the Health Dept . Gave you .

If this place is illegal , you " might " be able to get all the rent you have paid back through court that is allowed by law . Try contacting the Property code Enforcement Office without your Landlord's knowledge . They will come and inspect . Then get a copy of their report .

You most likely won't be able to live there much longer . Seek some assistances from community Agencies in moving , Red Cross , salvation Army , Social services , Churches , Etc .

You may not want to move for various reasons , but It looks like you will have to . Laws require so much space for each person , plus If the Landlord is illegally renting , you wouldn't be able to stay . Plus it sounds like there's a water leak issue , and that could create MOLD . Which can cause serious health problems for you and your kids . It can effect Lungs .

My suggestion is get the Illegal occupancy documented before you leave . Get copies for proof . Then get out asap . Then take the LL to court for return of your rents . The Judge just may rule in your favor .

If he changes the Locks, call the Police . If you can't get back in , call the Red Cross .

 

[laidback]

lock outs are illegal without a court order

I'm a locksmith in NJ & know for a fact that they cannot lock you out without going through the court. I've been on court ordered lockouts, both a deputy or sheriff & the landlord or his rep. has to be there. I always hope the tenant never shows up or is around.

If I were you I'd call or go to the cops & tell them the story, they should help but might only reccomend to you what to do because there has been no crime yet. They should be able to give you phone numbers or places who can help in the future.

I would think that the landlord should be responsible for relocation expenses if he cannot provide the bathroom but you might have to wait to be reimbursed. I'm not sure how that works.

Also, try to record the guy for any future lawsuit. It's simple to file, just find the small claims court & get a complaint form from the "Clerk of the Special Civil Part" (check the blue pages), either bring it home & mail it in or bring all your info.

If I were in your shoes I'd call the cops, confirm it's illegal for them to lock you out, ask if they could help you find suitable housing or phone numbers of who could help. But be careful if you need to stay where you're at now. If you call the housing authority & tell them you're staying in an illegal situation you might burn yourself.

Good luck & I hope things work out