Renter nextdoor is harrassing me! And I own mine!

[giralready]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? OHIO

I bought my condo 3 years ago, next door lady lost hers in a sheriff auction. An investing non-residing landlord decides to rent the unit out Section 8 and refuses to deal with his tenants. The lady has a young kid approx around 10 that tries to enter our fenced in patios, stares in our windows, picks the flowers etc... She has other people staying there, violating Section 8 rules. My biggest problem is the lady installed a Surround Sound Stereo system and cranks the base on it or she sets her car alarm off early mornings/late nights. I tried to talk to the landlord who told me to move out! that's right told me to move. Her kid has even tied things to strings and hit my windows with them. They throw things out where my dog can choke on them etc...In our city it's a matter of "catching" them in the act. The association is saying they can only act if more than one person hears it and as far as inside they can't do anything. They have heard complaints on the alarm and on her kid more than once and more than from one person. I have no clue why nothing has been done. We passed a no-rental after this guy purchased the condo because of the problems but had to grandfather his for some reason. It's hurting my property value to live next to what has started to look like a trash pit. My guest are even approached and harrassed. I have pictures, I have documented everything, witnesses, I have some police reports. Some reason they are able to turn it down before the Police get here, my guess scanner, phone or insider. I even think they put their ears to the wall in hopes to make me look bad when I do call the police. It is so frustrating and my health has suffered and I fear for my pets safety. Oh, and they have dented the hell out of my car with their car doors. It's never-ending and the more I try to get it taken care of reasonably the more frustrated I become.

 

[Pibzz]

Get Tough

I had issues with a bad tenant, upstairs from my condo, it was awful. In your favor is the Section 8 Status of the tenant.

First and foremost, contact the city or county HUD administrator and find out who her Section 8 caseworker is. Although Section 8 is a Federal program, it is always administered by a local agency (i.e. town, city, county etc.) Call he/she personally and tell them you wish to make a formal complaint in writing about this tenant, who is chronically disturbing other residents.

The caseworker will give you instructions as to where to send the complaint. Often times just calling the worker will solve the problem, but if you really want to stir up the hornets, send a written complaint. Be sure to use words like harassing, disturbing, damaging / destroying private property, ect. Definitely document exactly how many people are in the unit. If possible have a board member or other neighbors sign the complaint. This may do the trick because the waiting list for Section 8 is long, and it is very easy to get kicked off the program for bad behavior. Remember, this tenant is living off YOUR tax dollars, and most caseworkers will not tolerate abuse, when there are so many more deserving people out there in need. Believe me, when this tenants free ride program is threatened, they will shape up FAST!!

Second, I’d see if you could find an attorney, just to write a letter on your behalf. Usually for less than $100, they will send a semi nasty, certified letter, to the owner of this unit, demanding that their tenant “cease and desist” the offending activity immediately, or face prompt litigation for the damage to the car, as well as the loss of quite enjoyment of your property etc.

Legal aid may even be able to help you , for little expense. The owner may tell you to “move” but will probably have quite a different reaction to a threat of a lawsuit from your attorney.

Also let this jerk know, that if his tenant is kicked off Section 8 (a course you will actively seek) he will be barred from re-renting the property per your new ordinace – in which case he could “sell” if he doesn’t like it…

(be sure and attach this letter to your section 8 complaint as well)


With any luck she will either (i) shape up promptly or (ii) be kicked off Section 8, in which case the Owner will eventually evict her for non payment of rent either way your troubles will be solved.


GOOD LUCK !

 

[giralready]

I've called a few times and the system in this county seems to be lazy. I called in a complaint with the main Section 8 office too. I didn't think to write a letter, and I hired an attorney who is waiting to hear from their landlord. I told my attorney it is very doubtful the jerk will even reply so I will sit down with him to see what we can do next. The landlord has been a prick since they moved in and basically wants the association to babysit his tenants. But my HOA is so afraid to act on anything because of the expense with hiring an attorney etc...The HOA's attorney gets paid a flat fee to look over our rules etc..and I think they don't want to go beyond just answering questions on the phone. My attorney whom I've known a long time differs with their opinions and then the HOA officer wanted to talk to my attorney and I said No, because I'm the one paying him. The whole thing has just got real old, tenants who think the world owes them and the HOA who does nothing because "the bylaws are just a piece of paper and they can't enforce them without major expense??" I'd move if I could afford to, but I have money invested in this place and I'm in for at least 5 years. But I will definately put a letter together or have my attny do it.

 

[Pibzz]

Sounds like a real pain in the butt. But always remember the squeaky wheel gets the oil. If I were you, I’d call my elected county supervisor and complain, but that won’t get you anywhere unless you call once a day (no kidding) till the problem is resolved. After about the 10th day, they will get so sick of hearing from you, that someone in the supervisors office will eventually pick up the phone and call the caseworker, and apply some pressure…

Another tactic is to file a claim for damages against the County for negligence in running the Section 8 program. They will of course deny the claim, but after they deny the claim you can file a small claims law suit against the County. You probably won’t win the suit (if it goes that far) but the District Attorney may find it easier to pick up the phone and call you (and the caseworker) to resolve the problem, rather than send one of their highly compensated attorneys to a small claims trial. If the case went to trial, even if the County wins, it will still cost them hundreds of dollars (in hours spent preparing and in court) and in most cases it’s just more practical to make you happy rather than go to trial.

Filing a claim, then a small claims suit is an effective and low cost way (should be less than $30) to get the County’s undivided attention, and this will hopefully result in them doing the right thing and solving your problem.

Between the two, one should work, and neither option costs any real money. Nothing ventured, nothing gained…