Old landlord is being a jerk!

[Nebulous]

My old landlord is being a total bitch right now. Well she is the property manager. There is also an owner who I emailed and waiting on a response because I cant find her number.



I asked if move out on a 2 week notice instead of a 30 day notice (which was in my rental agreement).



I will post up our text message conversation (me in green and her in red)





I will be moving out over the next couple weeks and be out by March 1st. I hope two weeks notices is okay. I sent you written notice in the mail as well.



I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving, I also need to inform you that two weeks notice is not enough notice under the terms of your agreement. I am also curious as to why you are leaving and when the wrecked car will be leaving the property.





I'm sure you could let me off with a 2 weeks notice. I have been a good tenant for the past three years and a couple years in the past too. Can I have the owner's phone number? I will have the car out by next week. I found a house to rent for not much more than I pay now.

Yes I have her phone number but that will not make a difference. We require everyone 30 days and we are not going to make an exception for you. Yes you have been a good tenant but she has also been good to you.



Can I have her number?



No! First that is why she pays me to handle her property, Secondly she is already aware of your request and agrees with me completely. I will advise her that would like to talk to her.



I dont have the funds for another two weeks of rent. I had her number before I cant seem to find it right now. I dont see why it has to be this way though. Landlords negotiate with their tenants all the time.



Let me put it simply for you, it seems you have made a decision for your convenience and now you expect her to gift you half a month. Not going to happen.



Its not really a gift if I'm not living there during those two weeks.



It most certainly is because you are asking her to wave rent you owe under the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. You can try to justify your request all you want but you would not have let it go if we had come to you and told you it was inconvenient to pay for the services contracted from you (she is talking about when I stripped and waxed all of their houses as people moved out) and this is the same thing. End of discussion.





What if I stripped and waxed the place to make up for the rent?



Anything we have to do in the way of cleaning to restore your unit to move in condition will be billed to your deposit. Just as it did for all those properties you worked on.



After I wax the floors they will be looking way better than they did when I moved in there.



..... then no reply for a while so I sent:

I am just going to email her since you refuse to give me her number or negotiate this simple request.



She has pissed me off. I hope the landlord is willing to negotiate with me but I doubt it. This stupid manager lady will probably brainwash her to be anti-Nebulous.

-Edit-

Ok here are my emails with the owner:

Spoiler

Ok here was our emails:

<owner's name>,

I would like to speak to you regarding me moving out. I have loved being a tenant of yours for the past three years and a couple years before that, but I have found a nice sized house for rent that is not much more money than I pay now. Having a child and living in a tiny duplex is fine for a temporary solution but we are at the point where we need more space. I was hoping that I could be able to move out on a two weeks notice (by march 1st). You could have the unit rented out 2 weeks sooner instead of it just being empty and sitting there. I have been a good tenant of yours for a few years now. We have reached agreements in the past where I could clean the laundry room for a discount and I have stripped and waxed several of your units as well. I am willing to strip and wax this unit for free before I move.

I hope you consider this as I dont really have the funds to pay another two weeks worth of rent at the moment. Please call me at -edit- so we can discuss this further.

Her reply:

<property manager's name> has kept me fully informed of your request to move with less than a 30-day notice, but I am not granting your request to move with two weeks notice. We do not make exceptions on this policy. Moving to a new place requires planning ahead and neither she nor I plan to foot the bill for your not saving in preparation to move on.



Yes, you were a good tenant and I would say so to your next owner or property manager if they were to call for a reference check. We do expect that you will also be leaving a clean unit and getting back a maximum deposit and we are committed to returning it to you quickly if the unit requires very little attention.



<property manager's name> and I are both running a competitive business in tough times and you can not expect us to give away money even though we appreciate that you did good work for us. Remember also that we paid you as you expected. Your statement that You could have the unit rented out 2 weeks sooner does not take into account the reality that we would not necessarily have the unit rented any faster. It is based on an assumption that good tenants are easy to find. Maybe you have not noticed, but our vacant units do not turn over that quickly because we are careful and selective.



I will not be calling because there is nothing to discuss that I have not already said. I understand your reasons for moving and wish you the best of luck in your new home.

My reply:

If I strip and wax the apartment, it will be in far better shape than it was when I found it. The floors seemed like they were just quickly mopped.. Adding layers of sealer and wax (after stripping them down) will preserve the floors and ensure that you will not have to replace the tile for at least another couple years which is an expense you can avoid for now. There is no need to collect money based on a technicality on a piece of paper when I can be out sooner and you can jump start the process of finding a new tenant sooner. Everything required to be done regarding someone moving out can easily be accomplished without me being forced to pay an additional two weeks rent especially if I am not living here.

I know you are a flexible and understanding person and I hope you would reconsider.

She forward's this to her bulldog, the property manager.

<owner's name> forwarded me your last email to deal with, she will not be answering this or any other email from you. Here is the bottom line You owe 30 days written notice (which you served today) we require 30 days written notice (no exceptions). You must return the unit in move-in condition or your deposit will be billed for any charges necessary to bring it back to move-in conditon. We are not negotiating with you, and what is fair and reasonable is that you honor the contract you signed. This is the end of this discussion period no if's, and's, or but's.



<property manager's name>

Property Manager

not going to reply anymore..

At least I tried.

 

[Grailknight]

Well, legally, she is right of course.

..But she doesn't have to be so pissy about it

 

[Nebulous]

Well Im glad we did this over text message instead of her being in person or me actually talking to her on the phone because I would have lost my temper and probably say something I would regret.

 

[MrJohn]

Well, if the two weeks isn't in writing, she has every right. But I don't know why she can't give you the number. What a weirdo.

 

[Nebulous]

Just got a reply to my email from the owner. She is on board with the property bitchager.. *cough* i mean manager.

I bet if she was willing to be flexible, the owner would have been flexible as well.



Im sure there will be 20 people replying they are legally right.

I know. But its not set in stone. They can do whatever they want. They are just being greedy.

Guess when it all comes down to it, being an excellent and loyal tenant for years doesn't matter to them.

 

[Corleone]

Nebulous, try not to let it get to you. I read the conversation and she seems upset about you moving out, so letting you off within the 30 days was probably a no from the start, but I understand what you're saying. Sounds like they're both being unreasonable and greedy. You know what, I'd email that owner back and let them know that you'll never recommend any of your friends to them, because the management and the way everything was carried out was unjust and unfair. I'd thank them and say goodbye, plus no more business from you or your friends/family. Stay in there, you'll get through it. Your loss right now, but their loss in the future for business.

 

[Sam.]

Well, you moving out means she gets less money, right?

 

[Princess]

what about if you try to find a tenant that is willing to move in when you move out? That would mitigate their circumstances.



Yeah, it would have been nice if she would negotiate with you.



Be sure you get pics the day you move out. Just in case. Also, she can't keep your whole deposit for the 2 weeks rent (I don't think anyway) Check to see what your lease agreement says. But be sure you get pics--if not a video with the date--on the last day right after you take everything out. At least that way, she can't tell you that you left the house dirty.



And make sure she gets the keys back the day you move out. Also--keep copies of any text or emails.....

 

[Nebulous]

Ok here was our emails:

<owner's name>,

I would like to speak to you regarding me moving out. I have loved being a tenant of yours for the past three years and a couple years before that, but I have found a nice sized house for rent that is not much more money than I pay now. Having a child and living in a tiny duplex is fine for a temporary solution but we are at the point where we need more space. I was hoping that I could be able to move out on a two weeks notice (by march 1st). You could have the unit rented out 2 weeks sooner instead of it just being empty and sitting there. I have been a good tenant of yours for a few years now. We have reached agreements in the past where I could clean the laundry room for a discount and I have stripped and waxed several of your units as well. I am willing to strip and wax this unit for free before I move.

I hope you consider this as I dont really have the funds to pay another two weeks worth of rent at the moment. Please call me at -edit- so we can discuss this further.

Her reply:

<property manager's name> has kept me fully informed of your request to move with less than a 30-day notice, but I am not granting your request to move with two weeks notice. We do not make exceptions on this policy. Moving to a new place requires planning ahead and neither she nor I plan to foot the bill for your not saving in preparation to move on.



Yes, you were a good tenant and I would say so to your next owner or property manager if they were to call for a reference check. We do expect that you will also be leaving a clean unit and getting back a maximum deposit and we are committed to returning it to you quickly if the unit requires very little attention.



<property manager's name> and I are both running a competitive business in tough times and you can not expect us to give away money even though we appreciate that you did good work for us. Remember also that we paid you as you expected. Your statement that You could have the unit rented out 2 weeks sooner does not take into account the reality that we would not necessarily have the unit rented any faster. It is based on an assumption that good tenants are easy to find. Maybe you have not noticed, but our vacant units do not turn over that quickly because we are careful and selective.



I will not be calling because there is nothing to discuss that I have not already said. I understand your reasons for moving and wish you the best of luck in your new home.

My reply:

If I strip and wax the apartment, it will be in far better shape than it was when I found it. The floors seemed like they were just quickly mopped.. Adding layers of sealer and wax (after stripping them down) will preserve the floors and ensure that you will not have to replace the tile for at least another couple years which is an expense you can avoid for now. There is no need to collect money based on a technicality on a piece of paper when I can be out sooner and you can jump start the process of finding a new tenant sooner. Everything required to be done regarding someone moving out can easily be accomplished without me being forced to pay an additional two weeks rent especially if I am not living here.

I know you are a flexible and understanding person and I hope you would reconsider.

She forward's this to her bulldog, the property manager.

<owner's name> forwarded me your last email to deal with, she will not be answering this or any other email from you. Here is the bottom line You owe 30 days written notice (which you served today) we require 30 days written notice (no exceptions). You must return the unit in move-in condition or your deposit will be billed for any charges necessary to bring it back to move-in conditon. We are not negotiating with you, and what is fair and reasonable is that you honor the contract you signed. This is the end of this discussion period no if's, and's, or but's.



<property manager's name>

Property Manager

not going to reply anymore..

At least I tried.

 

[Peaceful]

They sound like a couple of stuck up bitches.

 

[Princess]

That does suck. Most people are willing to give a little. I can't understand her attitude.

 

[Jazzy]

A lease is a legal binding contract and unfortunately they have you up against the wall with their 30 day notice clause in that contract. You signed it and it would hold up in any court of law. As an owner of rental property we protect ourselves from losing rent and damages done by adding clauses into the bindng rental agreement. It had nothing to do with if you were or were not a good tenant. Property managers are hired and represent the owner of the property. They do not have to disclose the owners telephone number. I'm sorry this happened to you, Nebulousy but perhaps you should have waited until end of lease to find another rental. I do not condone the way they spoke to you but they were trying to explain over and over after you kept contacting them. I wish you much luck and happiness in your new home.

 

[Corleone]

Dear Landlord: (Jokes)

I wish to complain that my father hurt his ankle very badly when he put his foot in the hole in his back passage.



I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall.



I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.



Can you please tell me when our repairs are going to be done as my wife is about to become an expectant mother.



I want some repairs done to my stove as it has backfired and burnt my knob off.



The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.



The person next door has a large erection in his back garden, which is unsightly and dangerous.



Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk. Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.



Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny color and not fit to drink.



Could you please send someone to fix our bath tap. My wife got her toe stuck in it and it is very uncomfortable for us.



I want to complain about the farmer across the road. Every morning at 5:30 his cock wakes me up, and it is getting too much.



When the workmen were here they put their tools in my wife's new drawers and made a mess. Please send men with clean tools to finish the job and keep my wife happy.

 

[Jazzy]

Dear Landlord: (Jokes)

I wish to complain that my father hurt his ankle very badly when he put his foot in the hole in his back passage.



I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall.



I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.



Can you please tell me when our repairs are going to be done as my wife is about to become an expectant mother.



I want some repairs done to my stove as it has backfired and burnt my knob off.



The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.



The person next door has a large erection in his back garden, which is unsightly and dangerous.



Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk. Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.



Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny color and not fit to drink.



Could you please send someone to fix our bath tap. My wife got her toe stuck in it and it is very uncomfortable for us.



I want to complain about the farmer across the road. Every morning at 5:30 his cock wakes me up, and it is getting too much.



When the workmen were here they put their tools in my wife's new drawers and made a mess. Please send men with clean tools to finish the job and keep my wife happy.

OMG! These were great and thank you for making me laugh

 

[Corleone]

My pleasure.

Hope Nebulous can take a laugh at it, too.

 

[Princess]

A lease is a legal binding contract and unfortunately they have you up against the wall with their 30 day notice clause in that contract. You signed it and it would hold up in any court of law. As an owner of rental property we protect ourselves from losing rent and damages done by adding clauses into the bindng rental agreement. It had nothing to do with if you were or were not a good tenant. Property managers are hired and represent the owner of the property. They do not have to disclose the owners telephone number. I'm sorry this happened to you, Nebulousy but perhaps you should have waited until end of lease to find another rental. I do not condone the way they spoke to you but they were trying to explain over and over after you kept contacting them. I wish you much luck and happiness in your new home.

Which is why I told him to make doubly sure he kept all this correspondance, as well as having good documentation as to what the apartment looks like when he moves out. The landlord is required by law to receive damages, but they are also required to mitigate their damages. The most (I think) they would be able to keep of his deposit would be 2 weeks rent plus reasonable cleaning fees. That is why the day you turn in the keys, you have video or good dated pictures of exactly what the apt looks like.

 

[Jazzy]

Which is why I told him to make doubly sure he kept all this correspondance, as well as having good documentation as to what the apartment looks like when he moves out. The landlord is required by law to receive damages, but they are also required to mitigate their damages. The most (I think) they would be able to keep of his deposit would be 2 weeks rent plus reasonable cleaning fees. That is why the day you turn in the keys, you have video or good dated pictures of exactly what the apt looks like.

That was great advice and I agree 100% with you.

 

[Nebulous]

Well 2 weeks of rent is $300. That means the remainder of the deposit is $300. Im sure they will find $300 worth of stuff to make up.

So Im not really counting on getting any deposit money back.

 

[Princess]

Just make sure they don't try to jack you up for a whole lot of other crap that you didn't do.

Last apartment my son moved out of tried to jack him up for $1800 worth of 'damages' Most of it was regular repair to the apartment. He had been there for more than 5 years, and they wanted to charge him for new carpet.....

 

[Nebulous]

I hope not.

I have a couple things wrong here that they will dock me for.

Like there is no towel rack. I broke it off. Hoping they wont notice, its just blank wall there now. Uh... the bathtub is clogged and drains extremely slowly.

Half the plugs dont work. There was a short or something and I never reported it, but that is their issue not mine (I would hope).

There is probably more.