LANDLORD FROM HELL issue. ???????????
June 3rd, 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. Am I right to say I’m not responsible since he ordered me out April 30 in his first letter? I have copies of both letters
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
He cannot win May rent as his first letter said that you had to be out by the end of April. Take care of that letter as though it was gold because it will win that part of your lawsuit for you.
You are correct, you were ordered out. You are moving out. You paid rent. So, you are done, he can not make any further demands.
Keep the original letters, not just copies.
Keep the letters and turn them over to your attorney The guy is just solidifying the case against himself with the lawsuit.
I have had my fair share of bad landlords and having to go to court. So I have learned a few things. For one, the landlord has to have probable cause to evict you before the lease is up. and it seems his ‘probable cause’ is just retaliation. Their are laws protecting tenants (look up landlord-tenant rights) and retaliation is one of them. It seems your landlord is trying to get more money out of you than he can. however, in the lease does it state the tenant must give written notice within 30 days prior to when you move? if so, I would write up a notice just so he can’t say anything on that part. Another thing- that first letter says it all, that’s where he messes up. The only way he can order you to pay may rent is if he can prove you did something wrong .