Can crooked landlord come after me legally?
June 4th, 2011 | 
Author: I was injured on a slippery walkway at my apartment building. As a result I had a broken tailbone. Since the landlord was not agreeable to cover the medical expenses I had to hire a personal injury attorney. Shortly after receiving a letter that my landlord was being sued to cover the costs, he sent me a letter (dated 2/11/2011)demanding I move out by 4/30/11 and if I did not return keys by this date an eviction may be instituted against me. Since living here has been such a horrible experience I had no problem following that letter and made all the necessary plans to move by the end of April. I paid April rent and am ready to go. My lease was due to expire May 31 but I had no problem following his order to move by April 30. His first letter broke the lease but I was fine with that.
Than a few days ago he sends me another letter (duplicate dated 3/31/2011) ordering I move out by 5/31/2011 and say I’m responsible for May rent. There is no way in hell I’m paying another month of rent to live here when he ordered me out April 30 in his first letter.
So I’m worried he can/will try to sue me for May rent. He says the first letter sent on Feb 11th was with the date of April 30 move out was an “error”! So I make plans to move and put money for a new place and turn my life upside down so am I right to say I’m not responsible for May rent since he ordered me out April 30 in his first letter? I still have the first letter.
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
Even if he does sue you all you have to do is show the court the first letter and you are home free…
You followed the instructions of the first letter, so you’re off the hook.
If he comes after you, simply show the court the first letter, and provide evidence of the canceled check.
You could then have your lawyer add any expenses you’ve incurred showing up in court to your amount you’re going after for the injury case.
Actually the mistake is his and now I bet you can sue him for triple rent. I would go talk with a lawyer most first talks are free and I am sure you would win in small claims court so you wont need a lawyer. Go have fun and win some free money.
I actually had a girlfriend slip and fall once and she got just what she needed for her injury to heal I think it ended up being $1500 Look this is what insurance is for, maybe in the future he will put more effort in cleaning his walk ways.
Can he sue you? Sure, you can sue anyone. Will he win? That’s up to the judge. However, since he gave you WRITTEN notice to be out by 4/30, he doesn’t have a case. Just bring the letter with you.
In addition, I think the judge would see that he was getting back at you for the lawsuit.
As you were told the last time you asked this question, as long as you still have the original notice, you are fine. If you don’t, then it is your word against the landlord’s.
Correct, he gave notice to be out by the end of April. As long as you are out by the end of April he has no further claim for rent. Keep that letter, you may need to prove you do not owe him any money,