What to do ?

long vent ahead.....
So here I sit wondering" what to do ", then I think why not bring it to my support forum, also WOULD LIKE INPUT FROM DOC JOHN, sorry about yelling.
In the 4 years we've been here, you folks have supported us, listened to us rant, helped us keep the gas from being shut off, and we thank each and everyone of you for being there.
okay now to the problem,
In the last 3 years of living in our houseour Landlord has:
1) Promised to replace our front door (holes in it ) not done
2) Promised to fix handrail on front steps (not done)
3) Promised to have siding put on house (not done)
4) Raised our rent by $45.00 for having Tara our emotional support dog
5) Is going to have us start paying water bill, raising our rent by $33.00 per month

Things we have done to improve his property
1) Had house insulated at no cost to him
2) had 2 windows replaced at no cost to him

We now have a chance to move across the street, same amount of rooms but no stairs to climb or crawl
the new Landlord is willing to let Tara live rent free,he is willing to reduce rent if we will manage apt. building, sweep sidewalk, shovel in winter just like here, also keep noise level down, so we have a nice building
What do we do I have til August to give him an answer
Angie

Dear Angie,

This is just from my perspective... but this new place, is it going to cost more, or about the same? If it's the same (or bonus, less)... I'd probably be moving. Your current landlord seems irresponsible in his duties to maintain the property.

((((((((((Angie)))))))))))))

Start packing.

Well, you have listed a set of pro's and con's here and it seems to be yelling - Go for it!

Christine the rent would only be $425.00 plus utilities compared to $595.00 plus utilities

thanks everyone, am listening

Yep. Move. Also, if you know the tenant/landlord rules for your area... I'd also maybe suggest taking the current landlord to the cleaners for their irresponsibility. I also dont think that they can charge for a dog that has specialized duties... but I could be wrong about that as well.

(((((((Angie))))))))))))

Ahhh decisions decisions

I would get all my questions answered by the new landlord and if you decide not to move, I would put everything in writing to the landlord and send him the letter "return receipt" in the mail about what he promised to fix etc. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself. Most states/cities/towns have a landlord/tenant office that you can write a complaint to if the landlord does not fix problems in a timely fashion. You cannot hold back rent unless you have served him with a letter stating that the safety issues with the apartment need to be fixed. There may also be a law that states he has a certain length of time to fix them in too...you would have to find that out by looking up the laws in your area. It can get a bit dicey....

I think, with your list of pros and cons, I would move. You can always talk to the other tenants in the new place to ask how the landlord responds to fixing the issue that come up and how often he raises rent etc etc. Doesn't hurt to ask many questions

Good Luck Angie!


sabby

Sounds like even with the new responsibilities , the place across the street would be better for you and papa. The troubles you have going up and down steps( which I understand) is not easy. Like Sabby said, I think getting everything in writing is best also. Good luck in whatever you do decide.

Based on the information, I think moving would be your best opportunity. If you've given this landlord improvements on his property without charging him for it and he still refuses to do repairs necessary, I say its time to let him find someone else to ignore.

Sounds like a good move to me.

Is there some reason you feel you want to stay where you are?
I musta missed it.

3 years of packing stuff, ya want to come help me?

I'm GREAT at packing, hubby was in the service when we were first married and we moved every couple of years. If I were closer I'd be so there! But the up side is that you're only moving across the street, so it shouldn't be that bad, right?

Unless I'm missing something, I think the answer seems obvious -- go with the nicer landlord that's offering a better deal.

My brother owns a rental townhouse -- his first house he couldn't sell -- and has been a landlord for many years now. His biggest worry has always been finding good, reliable tenants who simply pay their rent relatively on time and don't trash the place. You'd think he was asking a lot! But it's still incredibly hard for him to find those tenants sometimes....

Anyway, the upshot is, a good landlord appreciates a good tenant, plain and simple. Bad landlords try and take advantage of their tenants, or simply leave the place in a constant state of dis-repair.

It sounds like it's time to move across the street. From what you said, it sounds like a good decision to consider.

Hope it works out for you either way!

DocJohn

I say go for it too good luck! Keep us posted ....

love Jinny xoxoxoxoxoxo

My opinion... To save yourselves a lot of hassles, I'd talk some more to the landlord across the street as well as to some of the tenants to see if he's a good landlord and if it's easy to get along with him. If it sounds acceptable, then start packing... well, not literally.

When I moved down the block, all I packed were the small things. We just took the clothes out of the closet and hubby carried them to the new closet. Same with the linen closet, the furniture, etc. Meanwhile, I was at the old place throwing the loose stuff into small boxes that could easily be carried and hubby would put them away right away. Could you have your ladies help you with that?

NO STAIRS would be a wonderful blessing, I'ma thinkin'! We won't even mention less rent.

I think it was Sabby that said to get everything in writing. Send that letter of complaint so maybe you can withold paying the rent to the present landlord to get some of your money back. If it's too much hassle... heck! I wouldn't pay him any rent anyway. Let him evict you. That depends on how you feel about that, though. It wouldn't bother me at all. LOL He owes you money for the repairs you made.

If you choose to follow through with the repairs he never made, you could even get more money out of him to help you with the move... legally, that is.

One thing to look for at the new place, how is it kept up? That should tell a story in itself.

In any event, I'd move if for no other reason than the cheaper rent.

Good luck in whatever you do, Twingie!

If it were me, I would probably be moving but I know moving can be a hassle.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Absolutely move! However, also get the agreement fully and completely in writing...signed and notarized (both of you)... regarding WHAT is involved in managing, and how you are to get things done when it requires money, etc.

I know packing and moving is a hassle, but your current landlord doesn't sound like he's that great, and cheaper rent is always a good thing. I'd make sure that I got a clear understanding of what was involoved in "managing" the other building from the new landlord in writing, just so that you know you can handle it, and then move if it's all ok.

Doesn't seem to me to be much upside in staying where you are.

--splitimage

need some intelligent ppl to help me compose a letter to my Landlord explaining why we feel we must move, Landlord/Tenant Laws say he is responsible for foundation and strutural repairs these have not been done in 3 years of constent asking
reread post then HELP us PLEASE
Angie

Dear Sir, (Mr. BumFluff)

I am writing to inform you that I will be moving out on X day due to the fact that you have put my rent up, charged me for a mental health dog and have not made the repairs that I have asked you to do.

I have made X repairs myself and feel that I have been a good tenant and am leaving the property in good repair so I respecfully ask for my deposit back.

Yours sincerely, nothemama. (Bye!)

Maybe leave out the, 'Mr. BumFluff.' and the, 'Bye!'

Angie, you don't have to explain why you are moving. You only need to take pictures proving that everything is in good order, and give him the required time of notice (2 weeks, 1 month etc.) I would make copies of the pictures (digital camera/phone ones maybe?) and attach them to the notice. Yes, demand your deposit returned (within the time allowed by law...and state it...within xxweeks as allowed by law.) Keep a copy of the demand/notice letter and of the pictures. If he gives you any static, notify the local board over landlords/business (sorry I'm brain dead right now). If you have that board name, contact information you might also state it in your demand letter stating that if he is not compliant with the return of your full deposit then you will notify the board... (not only of this) but also of the unmade repairs and the fees charged for a legal emotional support animal. Give dates if you can, of when you are out, when you expect your deposit money.

I don't see any reasons to NOT move. It sounds like a very nice opportunity for you.
Do what's in your best interest.

I think you might be wanting to 'win' the battle about the property issues where you are, but one way to win is to leave them behind .
Give your landlord notice that you'll be moving; that's all he needs is the courtesy to have time to find another tennant. A simple letter giving the date you will be moving is all you need to do.

"Dear landlord,
This letter is to let you know we will be moving from (address) on (date). Thank you for the rental opportunity you provided.
Best wishes, "

You also need to put your apartment now address, and your contact address of where to send the check or such.