Comments on: Roommate Rental Scam

By: Randy

Randy — Mon, 30 May 2011 02:34:28 +0000

I don’t allow roommates in my rentals anymore– I had way too many problems.

By: Liz

Liz — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:32:57 +0000

OMGosh, I just have to say I thought I had it bad.
Girl, I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure what you have.
I’m trying to escape a “psycho-bitch” roommate situation which I won’t go into details about; and that’s why I started searching for relevant information that might help me identify my rights. Determine if I should call the police the next time she barges in my bedroom door and screams at me, demanding I engage in a conversation with her that I don’t wish to have because it would be a complete waste of time and energy!

She has an incredibly distorted perception of reality and her behavior. Oh gee, and I said I wasn’t going to go into it didn’t I? Sorry.
All I wanted to say is, to let you know that someone READ YOUR WHOLE story, and feels for you. I’d say I know your pain, but mine doesn’t even come close to what YOU’ve been through!

I don’t know about you, but I’ll NEVER, EVER have another roommate situation!! Good Luck with everything. I don’t have anything to offer you as far as resources or advice, but I will certainly pray for you!! I don’t consider myself a “religious” person but I believe in God and I do believe in prayer.

Good Luck.
Liz

By: Bryan Goodwin

Bryan Goodwin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:54:40 +0000

Anne,
Let me say wow times 3! I must say that your post was very entertaining, not to down-trod your renting hardships. First things first. When it comes to renters rights, you will find that there are few people includings, police departments, District Attorney, Housing Authority, Consumer Protection Division that will care to do anything to protect your renting rights. The most common type of answer is that its a “Civil Matter” and out of their control.
So where can renters turn for help? Unless you can afford a private attorney, the Rental Protection Agency is really the only real choice when it comes to investigating your tenant rights. Now, there are a few local tenant associations that may be able to help you somewhat, but you they won’t be able to make a lasting effect like the RPA will. There are several things to consider when dealing with rent problems or even rent scams.
1) How can I stop them?
2) How can I get my rent deposit back?
3) How can I alert future tenants?
Can this be done with an rent attorney, no! They can help you get your money, but will probably have little ability to stop scams or to alert future tenants. Even, local tenant unions or associations can’t do much more than that. This leaves you with the RPA. All you really need to do is file a landlord complaint… most likely the RPA Complaint process will be just as effective at getting your money back as the other two options mentioned. However, the bigger benefit is that the entire case is documented and attached to the landlords public record. This will allow you to alert other tenants of the problem plus it should put a stop to all of their non-sense.
I used to work with one of the RPA Agents that handled complaints… they’re good, they know what they’re doing and will be the best option for resolving and stopping this scam. If you choose to file a complaint through the RPA, you will need to pay a processing fee of $35– a small price for sanity!
Good Luck!