Rental Agency and eviction

Question

I am renting a home from a rental agency. I moved into the house in May 12. We were given a move in inspection sheet to fill out with any problems. I filled it out, turned it in and the next day I realized one of the things that I thought was broke, really wasnt so I went down the next day and cancelled the work request. June 13th they sent a maintenance man to fix it, he said there wasnt nothing wrong, of course not that is the reason I cancelled the work order. June 30th I got A letter saying I was being charged for the work order because there wasnt anything broke. I paid my rent July 1 and the rental agency said they would look into it, Aug 1 I paid my rent, the rental agency said they were still looking into it. Today I got a letter saying im being evicted in 5 days and that the fee is now 105.00 is there anything besides paying the 105 dollars I can do? I have never been late on my rent. I as never told that if I didnt apy it I would be evicted, I was always told they were looking into it.

Answer 1

Okay, if you haven't started already, you need to get everything in writing.  Start by writing down the dates that something happened and what happened - for example, when you called to cancel the work order, did you write down who you talked to?  What days did you call to have it resolved?  Get that all in a list.

Explain what happened, and since you canceled the work request, you aren't responsible for this charge.

With that in front of you call the rental agency and speak with the person who was "looking into it".  Tell them that it's not resolved and you've gotten a notice for non payment.  If they won't help, talk to a supervisor.  They should resolve it for you immediately, but ask them to confirm that in writing (saying that they're withdrawing the demand).  That way there's no surprises later.

Whether they agree or not - Send all that in a letter to the rental agency (someway that you can date and track - fax will work, certified mail is better).

If they don't resolve this right away, you can wait until they get a hearing (not sure about Oklahoma, but in other states they can't evict you without a court proceeding).  Then your notes and your letter should win the day for you.

Your other choice is to pay them money (along with a note stating you believe the charge is invalid, and that you don't admit responsibility, and you plan to pursue the matter in court) and then take them to small claims court to get your money back.  Again your notes will make all the difference.

Good luck!