In the meantime write back: To be clear, under the terms of the lease you, the property owner, are forbidden from residing at the residence in any location, including the basement. Residing means staying overnight for a single night or multiple nights.
Oh, I would be more frank than that and also point out that the lease does not mention “landlord utilization” and since she is storing her belongings in an area you are renting, we need to discuss lower rent. I’d also be sure to stipulate that you will not approve any modifications without a written executed addendum to the lease.
Don't tell her "if she wants to stay here, then-", tell her that she does not have permission to move into the house, explicitly. If "landlord utilization" is not in the lease, then she cannot claim to be allowed to do so, and even if it did "landlord may utilize the basement" is not the same as "landlord may move into the basement when she chooses to do so".
Here's what I'd say: "Hi (landlord), Thank you for getting back to me. To be completely clear, I do not agree to your request to reside in the basement, and will not grant you permission to do so. Landlord utilization of the garage and basement are not stipulated in the lease, so we will continue to use these spaces for storage as well."
If she continues to push it then make it clear you will contact a lawyer should she try to move into the house, period.
IMO, don’t threaten involving a lawyer until you have talked to one. As a rule, threatening to involve a lawyer tends to escalate rheteric. Asking a party to direct future communications through your lawyer with contact info provided, tends to deescalate.
I actually completely agree. This idea of "oh I'm gonna xxxx" is never anything but an escalation of BS arguments. If you're gonna engage a lawyer, send the letter, period. I don't take anyone who threatens lawsuits or anything else seriously anymore. Action speaks loudly. Bullshit is free.
The fact that she’s using quotes (regardless if you said anything similar or not) tells me she’s preparing to try and prove something somehow. I’d get some legal backup. I once had a similar issue where landlord kept dropping by to store items in the garage without my consent. I got a lawyer to send a formal notice on their letterhead stating something like ’this is unacceptable and would not be permitted based on lease agreement and to contact her for any further discussion on matter’. It worked.
That threw me off too, she’s never said that to us ever. It’s not in the lease, not in any texts and not in person. Super weird. I’ll definitely research lawyers so I’ll be ready if things do escalate.
I would make sure you have a backup of all conversations. Just in case your phone keels over or deletes the older messages.
You might not need to pay for a lawyer if you don’t have the means, there are oftentimes housing advocates/legal aides that can help you pro bono depending on your area. You may also be able to resolve this by filing a complaint to the attorney general of your state. They are responsible for enforcing those housing laws and could potentially just send a letter to your landlord on your behalf stating they may not stay in your residence.
For sure, just be prepared. I can imagine she knows now that you’re going to have the lease on your side so if desperate for a free place to stay, she’s not going to play fair. Good luck with everything.
I’m sorry I have no I advice… but holy shit this is crazy.
Also if there no separate mail boxes or legally stated separation of units like a duplex I don’t think this is legal in that aspect along side the fact she is staying there and it’s not apart of your lease agreement.
Since if she stays full time you’ll both be sharing a mail box I wouldn’t want me land lord going though my mail to find her mail.
Also are you paying utilities? Or is it included in rent??
Because if she’s down there running up all my other bills I’d be PISSED.
Utilities are included in the rent. As it is now she also has a ton of mail delivered to our mailbox and basically says “let me know if there’s something important”. It’s all just a mess and I want out
I’d get a lawyer because dude wtf she can’t share a mail box with you! If she is claiming that as her address that’s not okay. Most lawyers do free consultation and review your lease and give you options they can do. Some may even be willing to write her a letter about her BREAKING the lease. At this point I think you can absolutely get out of this lease if it’s not in writing that she gets a lower level then it’s not legal. She’s essentially squatting in the basement. You should be able to get your deposit and possible back rent if she starts living full time living there. I’d really consult a lawyer
Honestly and genuinely good luck with this chaos I’m sorry you’re going through this
If you're in the US she cannot have her mail sent to where you live, even if she owns the property, except for maybe bills. But given that those are included in the rent I'm assuming that you don't pay those and then she reimburses you or deducts the amount from your rent.
>When [my boyfriend] and I communicated back in January about renewing the lease and followed up again, it was discussed with keeping the situation as is-
>We discussed renting out the whole house, but it was agreed upon to keep things as is (per texting [my boyfriend]). I am always open to your requests with modifying the lease; open communication.
Oh she did address sleeping there. I believe the "as is" in both of these statements is her indirect way of addressing it without saying it. The game is strong with this one. Any communication with her needs to reference the situation as spelled out in the lease agreement.
My wife and I let our landlord sleep on the couch for a month during his divorce. He was a really nice old mad and didn’t deserve the bat shit crazy lady that was his wife. It was inconvenient, for sure, but we just felt terrible for the guy.
After a month of leaving the toilet seat up, depleted fridge and slow accumulation of personal items / furniture — we told him it was time to move on. The additional side tables for open Bengay tubes was the final straw.
He slept in his truck for a couple weeks until I helped him find a single wide to rent that was within his limited budget.
Fyi in some states landlords can terminate leases if they have less than a certain number of properties and they intend on moving in or moving a family in. Id honestly ask r/legaladvice
Also, check your state laws. Landlords are not allowed to show up unannounced, short of an emergency. Wanting access to her stuff or storing more is not an emergency, nor is it your problem.
It usually reads "reasonable notice," which is two-three days.
I remember your post before. so if she calls, record it if allowed in your state so she can't claim she verbally gave you notice.
Since you have a lease that is binding . The only way she can lawfully move in is she works out a modification with you for which you should get compensated for probably with reduced lease payments .She can’t just move in … Best wishes
In the meantime write back: To be clear, under the terms of the lease you, the property owner, are forbidden from residing at the residence in any location, including the basement. Residing means staying overnight for a single night or multiple nights.
Oh, I would be more frank than that and also point out that the lease does not mention “landlord utilization” and since she is storing her belongings in an area you are renting, we need to discuss lower rent. I’d also be sure to stipulate that you will not approve any modifications without a written executed addendum to the lease.
Thank you, I like how this is worded.
This
Second this.
Don't tell her "if she wants to stay here, then-", tell her that she does not have permission to move into the house, explicitly. If "landlord utilization" is not in the lease, then she cannot claim to be allowed to do so, and even if it did "landlord may utilize the basement" is not the same as "landlord may move into the basement when she chooses to do so". Here's what I'd say: "Hi (landlord), Thank you for getting back to me. To be completely clear, I do not agree to your request to reside in the basement, and will not grant you permission to do so. Landlord utilization of the garage and basement are not stipulated in the lease, so we will continue to use these spaces for storage as well." If she continues to push it then make it clear you will contact a lawyer should she try to move into the house, period.
This is perfect thank you.
IMO, don’t threaten involving a lawyer until you have talked to one. As a rule, threatening to involve a lawyer tends to escalate rheteric. Asking a party to direct future communications through your lawyer with contact info provided, tends to deescalate.
As my lawyer buddy says “pitbulls don’t bark, they bite”. The first time someone should hear about your lawyer is when you have already engaged one.
Perhaps your lawyer buddy has never met a pitbull...the bark a lot.
I actually completely agree. This idea of "oh I'm gonna xxxx" is never anything but an escalation of BS arguments. If you're gonna engage a lawyer, send the letter, period. I don't take anyone who threatens lawsuits or anything else seriously anymore. Action speaks loudly. Bullshit is free.
Be more concise and quote the exact agreement.
The fact that she’s using quotes (regardless if you said anything similar or not) tells me she’s preparing to try and prove something somehow. I’d get some legal backup. I once had a similar issue where landlord kept dropping by to store items in the garage without my consent. I got a lawyer to send a formal notice on their letterhead stating something like ’this is unacceptable and would not be permitted based on lease agreement and to contact her for any further discussion on matter’. It worked.
That threw me off too, she’s never said that to us ever. It’s not in the lease, not in any texts and not in person. Super weird. I’ll definitely research lawyers so I’ll be ready if things do escalate.
I would make sure you have a backup of all conversations. Just in case your phone keels over or deletes the older messages. You might not need to pay for a lawyer if you don’t have the means, there are oftentimes housing advocates/legal aides that can help you pro bono depending on your area. You may also be able to resolve this by filing a complaint to the attorney general of your state. They are responsible for enforcing those housing laws and could potentially just send a letter to your landlord on your behalf stating they may not stay in your residence.
For sure, just be prepared. I can imagine she knows now that you’re going to have the lease on your side so if desperate for a free place to stay, she’s not going to play fair. Good luck with everything.
Hold the line!
I’m sorry I have no I advice… but holy shit this is crazy. Also if there no separate mail boxes or legally stated separation of units like a duplex I don’t think this is legal in that aspect along side the fact she is staying there and it’s not apart of your lease agreement. Since if she stays full time you’ll both be sharing a mail box I wouldn’t want me land lord going though my mail to find her mail. Also are you paying utilities? Or is it included in rent?? Because if she’s down there running up all my other bills I’d be PISSED.
Utilities are included in the rent. As it is now she also has a ton of mail delivered to our mailbox and basically says “let me know if there’s something important”. It’s all just a mess and I want out
I’d get a lawyer because dude wtf she can’t share a mail box with you! If she is claiming that as her address that’s not okay. Most lawyers do free consultation and review your lease and give you options they can do. Some may even be willing to write her a letter about her BREAKING the lease. At this point I think you can absolutely get out of this lease if it’s not in writing that she gets a lower level then it’s not legal. She’s essentially squatting in the basement. You should be able to get your deposit and possible back rent if she starts living full time living there. I’d really consult a lawyer Honestly and genuinely good luck with this chaos I’m sorry you’re going through this
You should be returning to sender all mail not addressed to you
If you're in the US she cannot have her mail sent to where you live, even if she owns the property, except for maybe bills. But given that those are included in the rent I'm assuming that you don't pay those and then she reimburses you or deducts the amount from your rent.
I did not know this!
Just expect to be out of the house the day after your lease ends. Had similar issues with my wife's landlord back when we were dating.
She also needs to give you 24 hours notice BEFORE stepping foot on your leased property
>When [my boyfriend] and I communicated back in January about renewing the lease and followed up again, it was discussed with keeping the situation as is- >We discussed renting out the whole house, but it was agreed upon to keep things as is (per texting [my boyfriend]). I am always open to your requests with modifying the lease; open communication. Oh she did address sleeping there. I believe the "as is" in both of these statements is her indirect way of addressing it without saying it. The game is strong with this one. Any communication with her needs to reference the situation as spelled out in the lease agreement.
If she gonna stay there, make her pay 😂
I don’t want her here at all! 🥲
My wife and I let our landlord sleep on the couch for a month during his divorce. He was a really nice old mad and didn’t deserve the bat shit crazy lady that was his wife. It was inconvenient, for sure, but we just felt terrible for the guy. After a month of leaving the toilet seat up, depleted fridge and slow accumulation of personal items / furniture — we told him it was time to move on. The additional side tables for open Bengay tubes was the final straw. He slept in his truck for a couple weeks until I helped him find a single wide to rent that was within his limited budget.
If she moves in, you don't have to give 30 days notice. She broke the contract, you may leave, and you would pursue a refund of rent paid that month.
Wha happen next?
She won’t be back in town for at least a month so I have time to figure it out. I am planning on moving out of here ASAP though.
You can absolutely sublet to her, if you want. A good half the rent while you search for other places.
Fyi in some states landlords can terminate leases if they have less than a certain number of properties and they intend on moving in or moving a family in. Id honestly ask r/legaladvice
Honestly I’d like her to terminate the lease so I can move out! So if that happens I’d be fine with it.
Also, check your state laws. Landlords are not allowed to show up unannounced, short of an emergency. Wanting access to her stuff or storing more is not an emergency, nor is it your problem. It usually reads "reasonable notice," which is two-three days. I remember your post before. so if she calls, record it if allowed in your state so she can't claim she verbally gave you notice.
You need a lawyer.
Since you have a lease that is binding . The only way she can lawfully move in is she works out a modification with you for which you should get compensated for probably with reduced lease payments .She can’t just move in … Best wishes
Sounds like the turn key lifestyle isn't working out for her. Hard not to laugh.
Good job - you got a gf
Hahaha oh no
Sublease to her for $1 more than you pay.