You need to find yourself an attorney & I would look into filing a counter suit against the Niece (or whomever the current owner is). Witholding rent due to repairs is technically unlawful, HOWEVER, denying you entry to the property is called a “Lock Out” and is very illegal. I only know California Law and I’m not sure where you are, but in California if a Landlord has tried the tactics the niece has done she would owe you $100 PER DAY that you have been locked out of this property, lease or no lease, as long as you can prove residency (i.e. a piece of mail with your name & that address). You could also seek damages due to harassment and defamation of character.

I would hit Google with a vengeance and find yourself an eviction assistance firm (there’s non-profit orgs in every major city). I would also contact your state’s Bar Association and ask them for a list of Pro-Bono (FREE) Real Estate Law Attorneys. Then….nail this b*tch to the wall. (metaphorically speaking, of course LOL)

I’m a Loan Officer and recently went through a very similar situation in California which ended in us selling out of court; they didn’t have to make repairs & I didn’t have to pay the year & a half’s rent I had withheld.

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Malcolm X: “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”

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Malcolm X: “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”

Report this comment