Worried about getting a bad reference from landlord.?
I am having difficulties with my current landlord who lives downstairs. its just me upstairs and him and his girlfriend downstairs. He is an absolute control freak, and for almost 2 years I put up with it. Butting into my business, interrogating my visitors (stopping them at the door asking them how they are related to me) Not allowing me any overnight guests, period. No children on the property, telling me no noise after 11pm which I thought was very fair, but now that he is out of work he goes for his 3am dunkin donut coffee runs almost everyday waking me up each time.
To be frank, the guy is an ass. He thinks because he has a problem with his back and needs a cane to walk that everyone should feel bad for him. Its sickening.
I didnt realize until after I moved in that there was no insulation here, so I freeze. And because the girlfriend has hot flashes or something she leaves the windows open at night time in the dead of winter, making it even colder. No privacy here, I have to shut my windows down to speak on the phone or when I have a visitor. And this guys is SO LOUD. He yells every time he speaks. Im not sure whats worse, listening to that through the day, or his snoring all night.
Ok, so I figure, instead of complaining, I’ll just leave. Im in a lease and I have to stay one more year. So I thought, ok this butting into my life constantly needs to cease, and I told him politely that I would appreciate a little space… ever since then he has been a real jerk. Blasts his music all of the time, bangs on his ceiling at odd hours. I just know when it comes time for me to leave, he is going to give me a bad reference. Saying how Im *bi***y and knowing him, he will try and tell my possible new landlord that he bent over backwards for me because he is ‘such a nice guy’ I hear that from him all the time… all the stories he has told me, how he helped this one and that one because he is ‘such a nice guy’ Ugh. Right.
So heres the thing. I barely speak to him because Im sick of the BS. I wont speak to him unless I have to. I used to pay him cash but now I send him checks for rent.
My rent has never been a day late, infact there have been times I was early.
I have practically no visitors, no one even wants to come here anymore.
I am very quiet. I only use my mp3 player, tv is pretty low and I am in bed by 9pm.
No pets.
My apartment is spotless and in excellent shape.
What can I do? Theres no way he is going to give me a good reference. Infact, he is going to be ticked that I am going to leave. I have no vehicle and Im quiet… he’s not even going to want an “average” tenant living there again, one that might actually ‘live’ and he and his girlfriend are quite used to the quiet and not having to share the driveway.
Advice please?
The applications always ask for current landlord.
June 11th, 2011 at 5:34 am
You don’t have to give his name as a reference. You can use your employer or someone else instead./
Ipod owner, and many years working with apple devices
Report this comment
June 11th, 2011 at 11:34 am
I once dealt with horrible downstairs neighbors in an apartment. They banged a broomstick on the ceiling whenever I tiptoed across the floor and actually reported me to the management when my kitten jumped off the couch. Now tell me how that’s disruptive?!
I wrote a letter to the apartment manager explaining how miserable they were making my life and then dropped by after work to follow up. They couldn’t do anything for me, but told me that they had already given notice to move out.
I’d suggest that when you talk to future landlords explain to them your situation. What it really comes down to is that you pay your rent on time and that you don’t destroy the property. I doubt that you’ll have a problem, but maybe when you look to move out have a backup place to live in mind. Moving to an apartment complex likely won’t be a problem. Most people have dealt with people like your current landlord and will understand your situation.
Good luck moving on from your situation!
Ipod owner, and many years working with apple devices
Report this comment
June 11th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
I am a landlord for the record.
You have rights also in this matter.
You also have the right of peaceful enjoyment of your home.
When he blasts his music, call the police.
I would get it in writing that he is allowing you to break your lease.
The no insulation can be a county or city code violation.
I believe some States like New York you must have a occupancy certificate to rent out and collect rent.
No children on the property, I do not think so.
You are allowed guests!
I would check your city, county and State to see what your rights are in the area you live in.
Ipod owner, and many years working with apple devices
Report this comment