Tenant from hell.

By Sparky

I’m a new live in landlord who rented out the spare room for the first time as I needed the money to help pay for the mortage. My tenant paid his deposit (provided reciept) but didnt sign a contract. We had verbal agreement that we’d give a month notice if he was to ever move out. After a few weeks of living with this chap things started getting weird. He started stalking me, going though my post, emails, alienate my friends, the final straw was threatening my girl friend in a sick email as he was convinced he was in a relationship with me. I gave him a months notice. He moved out the following day leaving me in the shit. I told him he didnt keep to the arrangement of 1 months notice and due to the lack or respect, behaviour, harrasment and making me feel uncomfortable in my own home he will not be getting his deposit back. He is now turned it all around saying I forced him to move out etc and taking me to the small claims court for his deposit. Please help as I am worried and not sure where I stand on this.

Edited on: Monday, November 2nd, 2009 7:30 am

One Response to “Tenant from hell.”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

anonymous

November 13th, 2009 4:23 pm

That’s a common “New Landlord” mistake– to make a verbal agreement… A lease agreement is your most basic form of protection. My question is this:
If you are renting out just a room, its not like the deposit is going to be a lot of money. I would suggest you refund the money… its probably what a couple hundred dollars? That’s a lot cheaper than a lawsuit. I’m not sure what state you’re in, but here in California, if you fail to abide by the deposit refund law you can be required to pay double the amount of the deposit.
I would be happy that the guy moved out. He could be asking for pro-rated rent.


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