property foreclosed on while tenants resided

[kimberlybauswell]

Try to make a long story short. I rented an apartment with promises of major repair/remodel. (they did the bait and switch, showing me a newly remodled and empty, apartment- of course the only one) Among intimidation, bogus fees and fines, no heat.....they allowed the property to be foreclosed on. I had 2 weeks prior notice and tried to warn the other tenants. lanlords made it out like i was a liar just so that they could collect the rest of everyones rent and light money, as lights were paid to them and in their name. they then had electricity shut off and building was foreclosed on. Several families were left with nowhere to go as it was full of low income families. There were more kids in apts then adults! the lanlord is fairly known in atlanta as he was hollifield business partner and chef at the hollifield bar and grill. (which has since closed because he didn't pay the rent on the building!!) what can i do legally? we paid rent, lights, security dep< and were left out in the cold.....
Georgia

[Edited by kimberlybauswell on 12-20-2000 at 02:46 PM]

 

[HomeGuru]

How were you damaged as a tenant money-wise?

 

[kimberlybauswell]

for that month it was $300 rent, $200 lights and then the $200 deposit. We were one of about 10 families....

 

[kimberlybauswell]

The reason everyone had to go ahead and leave before the bank officially kicked us out is because the lanlords had all the power shut off. We never saw them or could get them to answer the phone.

 

[HomeGuru]

Some things that L did was in fact illegal. It may not be worth it to fight.

 

[kimberlybauswell]

what if i could get other families that he did this to and we did something together. There were other illegal things such as tresspassing, forced entry....you know, it's not near as much a money issue as it is a principle thing. This man hurt a lot of families and obviously has no recourse. what if he does this again somewhere else...

 

[HomeGuru]

In that case, get an attorney to file a class action type lawsuit. If other families pay their prorata share of legal fees, you may be able to pull it off. It does not make economic sense to pay an attorney by yourself $1000 to get back $800.

I am with you on this one. Landlords should not be doing these kinds of things. Go ahead and sue his sorry ass. Also file a complaint against with the State.

 

[kimberlybauswell]

How do I report him to the state????

 

[djdj]

UHHH why not try contavting the local tv stations, kicked out by a greedy landlord...you could be on the 6 o clock news, and someone might offer you FREE legal help!