How to Sue Your Landlord to Resolve Landlord-Tenant Disputes
If you believe your landlord has not met his or her obligations, has breached your lease agreement, has discriminated against you or has committed illegal violations, you may have grounds to sue your landlord.
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Instructions
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Try to settle any disputes with your landlord through negotiation or mediation before considering legal action.
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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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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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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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Meet with your selected attorney to review your grounds for a lawsuit.
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Inquire about legal fees and court costs during the appointment with your attorney.
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Retain an attorney to pursue legal action against your landlord.
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Tips & Warnings
For tenants who win lawsuits against their landlords, judges sometimes require the landlords to pay the tenant's legal fees and court costs.
Consult a knowledgeable attorney before seeking legal action. Landlords must comply with civil laws, fair housing practices, and local and state landlord-tenant laws, so rental statutes are quite confusing and complex.
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Comments
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Not necessarily true. Only when you get a judge that is fair justice will finally be served. 8 months ago, I came home for lunch and realized that I have been burglarized. The burglary happened broad day light in the afternoon where all my neighbors were outside. When I enter my apartment, my heart dropped. My apartment was turned upside down and all my belonging were gone. Then, I heard noises. As I waited to see where it was coming from, the burglar heard me and ran out through the back door. Of course they got away, they always do, but I decided at that moment that I would no longer feel safe again in that place. I called my landlord and we discussed I plans to vacate my apartment. Everything went well; I cleaned my apartment, did the walk through and returned my keys the following month. We even left with a hug. She then informed me that we would get back to me as soon as possible with the deposit. 21 days goes by, I’ve heard nothing. I finally called and there was no answer. I left voicemails and no return calls. I wrote a demand letter which states: “the California Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requires you to either refund my entire deposit or give me an itemized statement of why it is being held within 21 days after I have moved. The Act also states that if a landlord does not send the statement within 21 days the tenant is entitled to a complete refund. Also if you intentionally failed to return my deposit, I can ask the court for double the amount of my deposit,” and no response. At this point, I had no choice but to filed a claim. My landlords totally took advantage of me and violated the Civil Code Section 1950.5. I had a process server serve them and a week prior to trial I finally get a call. They wanted to make a settlement based on my original demand. I was furious. I informed them that I would not settle unless they gave me what I am asking for in my complaint (double the security deposit and actual damage). They refused to comply and we ended up in court the following week. I went to trial with copies of telephone records, photos of the apartment, demand letters, bank statements, police reports, and so forth. I had enough evidence to convict them but unfortunately, the judge was not on our side. Even after being sworn under oath, they lied. Well, even with all my evidence, the judge informed us that he would not acknowledge my request; however, judgment for the Plaintiff in the amount of the security deposit plus filing fee. This was ridiculous. After announcing the verdict, the judge even gave advices to the Defendants and handed them the Department of Consumer’s Affairs handbook. REALLY, wow, they just got away with taking advantage of people? They were the ones who intentionally violated the LAW that’s why we are all here and you are giving them advices? The stupid court system have FAILED me. The judge’s verdict was a big slap on the face. In my opinion he said, Plaintiff, I will give you your money back, Defendant, I will forgive you for your mistake and do not do it again even though the Plaintiff proved her case, I will let you get away with it this time… what a load of horse poop. A warning: anyone who is planning to file a claim in FRESNO COUNTY SMALLS CLAIMS COURT, CA be aware if you have a subordinate judge find a way out of that court room. It does not matter how prepared you are because it is not worth your time.
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call your local county housing in let them come out an do have inspection for them to see its contaminated.
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hey I got a problem I been leaving on an apartment with termintes and roaches all over the house. I need advice how can I sue the landlord. I current live in the state of florida which site or number may I contact.
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I refuse to let the Landlord ake advantage of me and my husband.
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unxman
Dec 22, 2010
full made. The roof began to leak in both suites. BlackMotor Corporation intentionally with held rent until the property was repaired and in turn key usable condition. This continued on for approximately 7 weeks. It is within the rights of the FAR manual and in the Ohio landlord tenant act to withhold rent until conditions are remedied On December 16th, 2010 Ralph McSwain entered the property illegally. It is required by law that the land lord give 24 hour notice before entering the property. It was also agreed that 10724, BlackMotor Corporation, would have the only set of key to the suite. Ralph McSwain changed the locks denying entry to the property and confiscated the EDD model and sensitive data inside.
