So scare and worried

[Veryupset447]

I have been a home owner for 35 years. Sold the marital home four years ago after my divorce. I chose to rent a house since my kids were in college and new I needed space for them. After graduation, I could buy something small for me. I found a house to rent but after two years, I was forced to move because the landlord violated electrical codes and chose to not make the repairs. I was forced to moved immediately. I found another place where I live now. For the past 20 months I have been an amazing tenant and never late on rent even though my work was completely shut down due to covid until about month ago. I used all of my savings. Two months ago my son became ill with covid which required hospitalization and he was sick for two weeks. I paid a two month security deposit at the time i signed the lease and asked my landlord if I could use one for the rent. She said no. A month ago I got very sick with kidney stones and have been in and out of hospital, back and forth to the doctor. I am taking all kinds of medicine and although the stone is relatively small it does not want to move. The pain is excruciating at times. I have to have surgery schedule for this Wednesday. I asked her if I could work something out for the rent. She said no and she wants me out in 30 days. I physically cannot move in that short space of time. Moreover she said if I don't pay the back rent she will ruin my credit and formally evict me. She is a lawyer. She told me she called the hospital and they told her I was not there. I have the papers to prove it!!! She called me a liar and that I have no credibility. I have never had anyone talk to me like this or accuse me of lying. I have never lied to her. Last fall when the fridge broke it took them two months to replace it. My daughter and I used coolers for our for for eight weeks. We asked for no rent adjustment. When the refrigerator was delivered and the carpet had grease on it from the movers, we paid to have the carpets cleaned as the landlord refused even though they were there when the fridge was delivered and saw the mess. I worked my entire life and have always been honorable. Has anyone had a situation like this or can anyone advice me.

 

[Just Blue]

I have been a home owner for 35 years. Sold the marital home four years ago after my divorce. I chose to rent a house since my kids were in college and new I needed space for them. After graduation, I could buy something small for me. I found a house to rent but after two years, I was forced to move because the landlord violated electrical codes and chose to not make the repairs. I was forced to moved immediately. I found another place where I live now. For the past 20 months I have been an amazing tenant and never late on rent even though my work was completely shut down due to covid until about month ago. I used all of my savings. Two months ago my son became ill with covid which required hospitalization and he was sick for two weeks. I paid a two month security deposit at the time i signed the lease and asked my landlord if I could use one for the rent. She said no. A month ago I got very sick with kidney stones and have been in and out of hospital, back and forth to the doctor. I am taking all kinds of medicine and although the stone is relatively small it does not want to move. The pain is excruciating at times. I have to have surgery schedule for this Wednesday. I asked her if I could work something out for the rent. She said no and she wants me out in 30 days. I physically cannot move in that short space of time. Moreover she said if I don't pay the back rent she will ruin my credit and formally evict me. She is a lawyer. She told me she called the hospital and they told her I was not there. I have the papers to prove it!!! She called me a liar and that I have no credibility. I have never had anyone talk to me like this or accuse me of lying. I have never lied to her. Last fall when the fridge broke it took them two months to replace it. My daughter and I used coolers for our for for eight weeks. We asked for no rent adjustment. When the refrigerator was delivered and the carpet had grease on it from the movers, we paid to have the carpets cleaned as the landlord refused even though they were there when the fridge was delivered and saw the mess. I worked my entire life and have always been honorable. Has anyone had a situation like this or can anyone advice me.

What state is this in?

 

[Veryupset447]

Maryland

 

[Ohiogal]

There is an eviction moratorium. Look into using that. What you should know about the eviction moratorium – Center for Public Integrity

 

[Gail in Georgia]

" Moreover she said if I don't pay the back rent she will ruin my credit and formally evict me. "

?Back rent? Are you behind in your rent now?

What type of lease do you have? Evictions in many states are on hold but there are some states that are ignoring the moratorium. Maryland does tend to be a fairly tenant friendly state. However, some landlords are TERMINATING monthly leases (this is not an eviction) .

"Last fall when the fridge broke it took them two months to replace it. My daughter and I used coolers for our for for eight weeks. We asked for no rent adjustment. When the refrigerator was delivered and the carpet had grease on it from the movers, we paid to have the carpets cleaned as the landlord refused even though they were there when the fridge was delivered and saw the mess. "

This, of course, plays no role in your current situation and is often thrown in a posting to show how a tenant has "suffered". Last summer and fall it was quite hard to find appliances such as refrigerators and if you did, it took weeks for deliver.

Gail

 

[Veryupset447]

Hi Gail,

Yes, August I am 8 days behind. Landlord, as of today sent me a text to say that she is willing to accept one of my security deposits (at the lease signing they required two monthly at $3800 a month - yes that is my rent and the $1000 they required for the cat they made me pay three deposits) but she still wants me out. I have been an exemplary tenant and she has said so many times. I send my rent certified mail so that I am assured she receives it. I do so because she doesn't have direct deposit or venmo.

I asked a week ago when I got sick and knew I could not work if I could use one security deposit for the rent and she said no. Now she says yes but still wants me out.

I have kept the place in beautiful shape. We don't wear shoes in the house. We get along beautifully with the neighbors.

As for Maryland being a tenant friendly state, I agree. However, these are lawyers who can bully me, walk one the line and not step over it.

 

[STEPHAN]

You should be able to get rent assistence!

 

[bcr229]

Maryland COVID Rental Assistance

 

[FarmerJ]

You said in your first post >She is a lawyer. < so if she really is a lawyer she already knows the difference between telling you to get out and following your states laws to start to evict for non payment , and if your state is still under a eviction moratorium she could not use the court to evict successfully . BUT what she could do as long as your states laws do not bar it is to take you to court for the unpaid rent once you move out and gain a judgment against you which is what can hurt ones credit rating . It is sad to hear your having health issues. BTW the bully thing is nonsense you owe money and the landlord knows what options they have and yes its cheaper for them in the long run to not use the courts to evict since evictions are expensive and they know that compared to just small claims so perhaps it would be better to find a way to get help and move anyway , your so called college age kids are now grown ups and its summer they can help you move out in order to avoid even a small claims court record.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

"I asked a week ago when I got sick and knew I could not work if I could use one security deposit for the rent and she said no. Now she says yes but still wants me out."

Sounds like August rent is now taken care of. Again, what type of lease do you have? Month to month or a longer lease?

If month to month there may be a concern for future rent and the landlord is looking to terminate this lease (not evict, terminate).

Gail

 

[Veryupset447]

Now it is month to month