How a Lawyer Can Help You Deal with Landlord Issues

If you are renting a house and have had some issues with the landlord, it may be time to hire a lawyer. Though moving can be a pain, it is a better option than having to deal with landlords who either cause you to feel uncomfortable due to broken appliances, or try to cheat you out of your money. No matter what the dispute may be about, a good attorney specializing in this kind of disagreement may help.

Perhaps the landlord is accusing you of doing something you did not do, meaning that you risk being evicted. For example, many landlords have rules that claim you cannot have people stay over who are not on the lease, or that you cannot park in certain areas. They may also make you pay for upkeep of the property, and require you to pay a pet deposit for any animals, if you are even allowed to have them at all. While these may be valid rules, sometimes misunderstandings occur. Maybe a neighbor claims to have seen your car parked in the wrong spot, or insists that he hears a dog barking at your house. Even if the neighbor is wrong, once he tells your landlord, you may face eviction. If you want to avoid this punishment but cannot seem to convince him or her that you did not break any rules, contact a lawyer who can perhaps put everything into perspective for both parties.

Sometimes landlords cause trouble after tenants move out. For instance, most tenants have to pay a deposit upfront so that the owner of the home can pay to get it cleaned. The renter should get this money back if the house is left in good condition after the move. If repairs or cleaning services are needed, the owner can take the expenses out of the deposit. In some cases, the renter does not agree with the amount taken out by the homeowner, as perhaps he thinks he left the home quite clean. In some cases, the homeowner refuses to give back any of the money. If this is the case, you should hire a lawyer, who can mediate between you two.

Getting legal help will not guarantee that you can stay in the house, or that you will get the money you are owed. However, it may stop the homeowner from taking advantage of other renters in the future. If you know you are not in the wrong, getting help from an attorney can at least give you a chance of being able to stay in the residence, if desired, or getting your deposit back. Otherwise, you face eviction or the forfeit of your money, both of which can cause problems for you.

It is often hard to stand up for yourself to your landlord if you are worried about getting kicked out or not getting any of your deposit back. This is why it is best to get a legal professional to contact the homeowner for you, and to ensure that at least one person is on your side.