Is your landlord trying to unfairly bully you and seize the home you are renting? The Tenant Helpline are here to help you at all cost.
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Unlawful possession of a property can be a landlord trying to reclaim a property that is currently being rented. This increasingly common landlord tactic is highly illegal, and can leave both landlord and tenant in an uncomfortable situation. But help is around! The Tenant Helpline stands ready to help tenants who are faced with illegal landlord practices like these, providing advice and assistance to those who need it. By working together, landlords and tenants alike can fight unlawful possession of a property and maintain their rights against any landlord misconduct.
When a landlord rents out their property to a tenant, the landlord has very restricted entry rights into the property. As a tenant it is important to remember that your landlord is not allowed to enter your dwelling without your permission.
Even then, they must give you proper notice of their visit in advance so that you have time to prepare for it. If you believe your landlord has unlawfully entered and taken possession of your rental property, you have certain rights to protect yourself. Knowing these rights can help empower you and make sure that your landlord respects and abides by the laws protecting tenants from unlawful possession.
Harassment of Tenants is Illegal
1. Verbal harassment
Verbal harassment from a landlord can take many forms, but it generally refers to any type of offensive or threatening language that is used against a tenant. This can include name-calling, threats of eviction, and derogatory comments about a tenant’s race, religion, or national origin.
2. Physical harassment
Physical harassment from a landlord is any type of unwelcome physical contact that is made with the intention of causing harm or discomfort. This can include hitting, pushing, or sexual assault.
3. Psychological harassment
Psychological harassment from a landlord is any type of behaviour that is intended to cause emotional distress. This can include making threats, playing loud music at all hours of the night, or constantly entering a tenant’s apartment without permission.
4. Financial harassment
Financial harassment from a landlord is any type of behaviour that is intended to make it difficult for a tenant to pay rent or meet other financial obligations. This can include raising rent unexpectedly, demanding payment in cash only, or refusing to make repairs that are necessary for the safety of the apartment.
5. Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment from a landlord is any type of unwelcome sexual advances or comments that are made by the landlord towards a tenant. This can include making lewd comments, propositioning a tenant for sex, or exposing oneself to a tenant.
Your landlord has no right to harass you. If they are using any of these tactics, they are in breach of the law and they can face serious consequences.
1. Withholding Maintenance or Repairs
One of the most common landlord tactics used to harass tenants is to withhold maintenance or repairs. This can be a major problem for tenants, as it can lead to health and safety issues. Additionally, it can be very difficult to get repairs made if the landlord is refusing to do them.
2. Making Excessive Noise
Another common tactic used by landlords to harass tenants is to make excessive noise. This can be extremely disruptive and can make it difficult for tenants to get a good night’s sleep. In some cases, landlords will even bang on walls or doors in an attempt to disrupt their tenant’s peace.
3. Entering the Property Without Notice
Landlords also frequently enter properties without giving tenants proper notice. This can be very intrusive and can make tenants feel uncomfortable in their own homes. Additionally, it can be a violation of the tenant’s privacy rights.
4. Threatening Eviction
Threatening eviction is another common tactic used by landlords to harass tenants. This can be extremely stressful for tenants, as they may fear losing their home. In some cases, landlords will even go so far as to start the eviction process without just cause.
5. Withholding Utilities
Withholding utilities is another common tactic used by landlords to harass tenants. This can be a major problem for tenants, as it can lead to health and safety issues. Additionally, it can be very difficult to get utilities turned back on if the landlord is refusing to do so.
6. Refusing to Accept Rent Payments
Refusing to accept rent payments is another common tactic used by landlords to harass tenants. This can put a major financial strain on tenants, as they may have difficulty finding another place to live if they are evicted. Additionally, it can damage the tenant’s credit score if the landlord reports the missed rent payments to the credit bureau.
7. Discriminating Against Tenants
Discriminating against tenants is another common tactic used by landlords to harass them. This includes making derogatory comments about the tenant’s race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
If you have faced illegal and unfair threats of repossession by your landlord, you may be entitled to both compensation for your troubles and also the right and security of remaining in the home you have rented. Do not hesitate to get in contact with The Tenant Helpline for a FREE consultation.
