I want to sue my landlord and am having trouble finding an attorney. Possible illegal eviction. Help!!?
March 28th, 2011 | 
Author: Ok, here’s what happened. I turned in my 30 day notice and one day while I was in the process of moving out my landlord walks right in unannounced stating he was unaware of my move out. I told him the notice was left in the office drop box (where I always put my rent). He went on to say that if I could be out by the 15th and to only pay half the rent. I told him I was unsure if I could be out by that time. I came by on the 13th and he was in my apartment claiming I had abandoned the property and failure of paying rent. He told me he already called a towing to put my belongings in storage. I called the cops but they were of no help. We came to an agreement that I had until the end of the day. Later on some lady comes by saying she has already rented my apartment. An hour later landlord comes in AGAIN and starts cleaning upstairs portion. Now I owe him 400 in damages where he overcharged me on a pair of doors, light fixture, and other things. I live in Texas. What is the law on that??
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
Do you have a copy of your 30 day notice?
It’s pretty much illegal for him to rent out any space that is still being occupied. I would definitely take a look at findlaw.com
Your tale is confusing. You gave your landlord 30 days notice. Did you pay rent for that last month? If so, you had every right to stay to the end of the month.
However, since the cops couldn’t help you, it sounds like you didn’t pay the final month’s rent and were perhaps thinking your deposit would cover it.
Not sure what you want to sue your former landlord for, but if he provided a list of damages and you did damage them, you will have to pay him. You could go to small claims court and demand return of your deposit and rent for the last month (if you actually paid it). But you really will need proof, not just your word.
You don’t need an attorney, they are not allowed in the court room anyway, you do this in small claims court.
I am not sure what is what. Your statements are not clear.
You should have given your notice when you paid rent for your last month. The prorating thing indicates that this might not be the case.
If you damaged the doors, light fixtures, etc you have to pay for them.
I am not sure what you think you will sue for or on, so it is hard to help you more.