Can my landlord refuse my rent payment?

Question

My landlord has came to me and told me I had to move out in just a few days because the wiring the house did not meet the codes of the county government. I ask him for proof from a certified electrician or proof from the city/county that there was such a violation and he refused to do so. I paid my rent last month and he refused to give me a receipt. This month he is refusing to take my rent and told me to get out of his house. I don't know what to do. I have five children and no where to go. I have the money to pay but he refuses to take it. Can he kick me out. I can't afford an attorney and he knows this. I just found out that he has a new girlfriend and she is in need of a place to stay. Also he has turned off my air by removing the breaker for the central unit in this house. What can I do? I need help quickly.

Answer 1

Kemperk got it right, he CAN NOT just evict you, not without going through a process. If there are code violations, then he must at least provide you with temporary housing in another location, this must be something that is up to normal standards and you approve of it.

Take a look at what landlords must do in order to evict somebody even when they have the right to do so

http://real-estate-law.freeadvice.com/la...

Cheers,

Answer 2

go to court and sue him.

AT minimum, breach of contract.  YOU could win 3x the deposit in an

award.

HE must give you a 30 day notice in writing.  IGNORE HIM and

if he shuts off your AC, turn it back on.  IF you must, go to a hotel

and find another place to stay longer term.

HE is claiming, backwards, CONSTRUCTIVE EVICTION.

My suggestion is to leave and sue him for improper notice, among other things.

Answer 3

Do you have a contract?

If its month to month, I believe he has to give you 2 months notice. It maybe different for different state. Find out what your state law says.

Go to http://www.rentlaw.com/

Or simply go to google and search for "__ rental law eviction" where __ is the state. e.g. "MD rental law eviction".

Answer 4

Refer to your lease and also check the landlord tenant act for your State. If you are month-to-month then he can ask for the apartment with only two weeks notice in some states.

Find another rental and ask him for moving money. He will probably be glad to pay you to get out otherwise he will make life miserable for you. Make sure that he refunds your security deposit. If you still have a valid lease then you should be able to work out something that will suit both of you.

Answer 5

look in ur govermant pages under the county & city u live in for tenants rights groups I'd also look on line for 1 in ur area  they sometimes have free legal council. this is nit right @ all.

Answer 6

Wow landlords can refuse rent, but we only refuse rent in our office when we want someone to leave IMMEDIATELY.

You need to call the city, over and over and over until someone listens to tell them about the codes, and there is legal aid, free law service, look for Pro Bono offices (aka free legal) in the phone book or online in your area.

He probably just wants you out, and is being a huge jerk by the way he's going about things.  

Answer 7

He was in the clear until he touched the circuit breaker.

You do not need an attorney, you need to call the housing authority, they will set this jerk straight.

Call today, even if you have to leave a voice mail.   Make sure they know the A/C is off and that children are involved.