How can I defend against my landlord's false claims?

Question

We've been renting a house in our 10th month as of now. We just recieved a letter that we are now 10 consecutive months late with rent. Per the contract, late fee's are an additional $100 per month. They are claiming that we now owe $1,000 in late fees. This is not the case and I can prove so with cashed checks. I can also prove that the two months we were late, we paid the late fees, also by the cashed checks. What is your best advice about how to handle this? What would be the best tactic to approach him with. What can I do about the false letter. I CAN PROVE THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN LATE EVERY MONTH THAT I HAVE LIVED HERE BY THE DATE THE CHECKS WENT THROUGH MY BANK! Besides the fact that first months rent was due at move in, it is impossible for me to be 10 months behind! Please help direct me to some possible solutions. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I don't understand what the problem is then for if what you say is true that you can prove it by your checks, why are you here asking for other possible solutions? Do you need someone to direct you to the nearest copy machine so you can send them copies asap to your landlord along with his letter and a note from you stating that he has obviously made a serious mistake... or are you looking for someone to direct you to someone with a very big Homie the Clown sock to accompany you to his front door to slap him silly for ya, while you hide behind the bushes so he doesn't see you laughing till you pee pee in your pants?

Answer 2

You do have the proofs and keep it ready for the mean time. I think there will be no prob with you as you are in the right track.

http://www.rorysiems.com/NewportBeach/

Answer 3

Why, I DO believe that your landlord is not allowing you to have quiet enjoyment of the premises!

Contact your local tenants rights organization, or a tenant lawyer. They'll guide you in your rights and action you can take.

Answer 4

DUDE!   I would move out of there.  Crazy people.  Maybe write back a letter with all the copies of cashed checks and dates, etc. first.

Answer 5

Who are they claiming this to? Are they taking legal action towards you?

Answer 6

Write them a letter disputing the charges and send COPIES off all checks.

Answer 7

Why are you asking here, if you have proof that you were not late and paid the late fees when you WERE late ?

Simply get copies of those checks with the dates described and forward them to the landlord with an explanation of your timely payments, and wait for their response.

If you are, indeed, correct, there is not much they can do.  Should they try to take you to small claims court for the monies, all you will need do is provide the same proofs to the judge, and he will dismiss their claims.