Things You'll Need:
- Attorney
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Step 1
Try to settle any disputes with your landlord through negotiation or mediation before considering legal action.
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Step 2
Consult local housing authorities or an attorney about civil rights, fair housing laws and tenant rights in your state if attempts to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation are unsuccessful.
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Step 3
Locate an attorney who is familiar with landlord-tenant laws in your state; contact local housing authorities or consult phone directory listings, Internet listings, friends or family members.
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Step 4
Collect evidence to support your case, such as rental agreements, correspondence, rent and security deposit receipts, photos and other pertinent documents.
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Step 5
Meet with your selected attorney to review your grounds for a lawsuit.
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Step 6
Inquire about legal fees and court costs during the appointment with your attorney.
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Step 7
Retain an attorney to pursue legal action against your landlord.
Comments
helping36 said
on 11/8/2009 I was told that it was washer and dryer hookups in the unit. When I moved in it was a washer hookup but not a dryer one-so the landlord charged me a $100.00 to install the hose, power outlet etc..into the storage unit where the dryer goes-when he clearly advertises in his lease and on craigslist that there is a washer and dryer hookup. So, if that is the case why do I have to pay $100 to install one-so I gave him the $100 to do so-but when I spoke to the ex-property manager which him and the landlord are friends and told him about the $100-he told me that he wasn't suppose to charge me that and that he bets he didn't charge anyone else in here where I live that either. It was wrong and for me to re-read my lease! And, I told him okay-is this considered a breach of contract of some sort or false advertising etc..??
jamesfahey said
on 9/28/2009 I have been a tenant with my complex for over three years, and in the beginning i got injured on the property, I asked them to pay for the med. bills but they refused and I had to sue them. Three years later, I have always paid rent on time, and signed the leases, but this year right after my settlement, they told me they lost the lease I just signed, and I had to resign so I re-signed with a water bill addendum saying I now have to pay water, but which was included in the orignal lease. A month later I went in there to talk about renting a space for storage, and now they say I took my lease, and are going to charge me 573.00 for late payments. And if I don't sign another lease they are going to put me on a month to month lease. Is there something I can do about this?
lefty4u said
on 7/23/2009 I have the most ignorant rental agent that thinks that she can enter with out announcing herself that she is coming.I have no privacy in the home I rented and by the asking to fix and correct repair is unbelievable is the most pain in the butt I get frustrated about it but you know what thats why there is laws so heck with her I'll see her in court !
harvard said
on 4/6/2009 I'm glad I'M not a slumlord. You know your stuff! 5*
headoftheclass said
on 4/5/2009 But there was nothing the owner could say when my attorney handed over discovery of the plaintiff in my driveway on camera saying,"IF YOU JUST LET THINGS LYE, WE'LL LEAVE YOU ALONE!" That was only one tape, I had went to our consultation with the attorney with a large soft leather carry bag with a years worth of 24/7 video footage of this kind of thing..Folks it doesn't get better than that!