If the landlord wont give you reciepts, do you still pay him?

Question

Simple as that, he never gives me reciepts, he is a grade A slumlord. His building is in forclosure, he wont fix ****, the stairs just got comdemed, and he still wants money, HELP

Answer 1

You have to pay by personal check to protect yourself.  Or you can videotape the payment; seriously.   Some landlords who demand cash will agree to mark an X next to a scribbled note saying "Rent paid 9/30/2008" .   Every little thing helps you.

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but in most states, the law says that a landlord has to provide livable space for the rent you pay. If the stairs have been condemned, he's in violation. Call the police to see where to report him. You may not owe him any rent for the whole period the stairs were unsafe.

Then, pay rent with checks. Keep your cancelled checks forever. If you really want to cause him a world of hurt, call the IRS and tell them you never get receipts and wonder if he's reporting all his rental income. "Audit" can be a very scary word.

Answer 3

Always pay via check or money order

For the check, in the memo line write "rent for dates_____ through ________."

For a money order, write anywhere "rent for dates _____through______" AND retain the stub for your own records

Good Luck

Answer 4

If things are being comdemed then you have the right to go to a court house and inform them that and ask to have the leagle right to break your lease. When things are falling apart like that then you have the right to break your lease the leagle way only. You will not be able to ask for any money you have paid back at that time, you will have to take them to small claims court for any money that you feel you are owed. The court may state that you can break your lease but are not allowed any deposit you have paid back. SO I would suggest going to the court house and asking to be let out of your lease as soon as you can before this slumlord desides to be a real jerk and evict you.  

Good luck

Answer 5

If the building is in foreclosure you should have gotten notice from the lender. Your slumlord may not even own the building anymore.  Call the lender and ask who you should pay the rent to.

I would refuse to pay rent until the landlord gives a receipt. Put the rent money in a bank escrow account and tell him to take you to court.

Answer 6

if he refuses to give you receipts and refuses to fix anything...DO NOT PAY RENT....but....don't spend the money..keep your rent in a bank account and either take him to tenant court or wait until he takes you...then you can let the courts know what a rotten slumlord he really is....you may want to call the board of health too while you're at it....if not...then..uh find a new place to stay........

Answer 7

A receipt is a must ,its your proof that you have paid, if the landlord wants to kick you out and say you haven't payed she could cause you have no receipt.

She must by law give you receipts of all the months you paid for otherwise she may be in trouble for tax purpose also.

Take care

Answer 8

Never pay by cash.  Use a check or money order so you have proof of payment.