[dynimagelv]

there sure are a lotta non lawyers in here

[Chinga]

I kind of got a bad feeling in the beginning just because the guy was so invasive into our lives. He wanted 2 months of pay stubs, copies of bank statements, credit reports, references etc. This was not so bad but then he wanted to go over everything on our credit report line by line, he even asked to see our credit card statements for the past month.

First off, I would have told him not just no.. but HELL NO.

No one needs that kind of deep deep info into your life. A simple credit check is ALL that I would ever submit to.. and even that I would complain about. Mind you I have NEVER had to submit to a credit check to rent (I Own my own place now) and normally after some complaining, you can get it waived. Dont get me wrong.. I pay my bills on time every time.. I have VERY good credit.. but with all the identity theft out there.. less people poking around my credit report the better.

OK secondly.. STOP PAYING this control freak.. give him nothing and save your money and drag it through eviction. It will take 3 to 4 months, while you save your cash and pack and hunt for a non control freak landlord. You could own for what you are paying in rent.. and why make a control freak feel like they can control you.

Hell.. I wont even tolerate a Home owners association.. this guy would have had a fit if he met up with me.. I don't play control freak games.. and I go out of my way to make those types VERY nervous.. lol I would end up putting him in a mental institution by the time I was done with him.. lol

[olecapt]

Let us not get carried away.

Just set up a system to pay him verifiably. It is not that big a cross. When you get to 45 days or so give your 30 days notice or offer to stay on as a month to month tenant.

Often these old dudes will turn around when they get used to you and beg you to stay.

When he wants to rent it cooperate but insist on 24 hours notice.

If you think he is entering the house put a simple alarm on it. The portable ones are cheap and make a lot of racket. He won't set it off more than once.

Make sure you have pictures of movein condition. Take them now if you have not and send a copy to him registered. Note everything that is the smallest bit awry.

[frogcollector3]

Originally Posted by desertsun41

That landlord sounds like a real waste of human flesh. Walk away. You are overpaying for your rental. Rentals are a dime a dozen right now and even rentals are coming down in price. There are about 10,000 vacant active and availables in the MLS right now. Many of them, although listed for sale, would love to rent to you without prying into your personal lives asking everything short of when you had sex last.

Your security deposit is too high too. In looking around I see the required security deposits have come way down due to competition. Im seeing $500 gets you in. No first and last, none of that anymore.

That landlord seems to think he is a real bank. You should stick it to him like everyone else is doing to real banks now. It's an eye for an eye out there.

I am a landlord and have been for over 25 years. As a general rule, the Security Deposit, is typically equal to one month's rent and up to two month's. Some states do have a law about the maximum. I would never except only $500. That doesn't cover squat these days. When a landlord holds that much money belonging to the tenant, you are more likely to get the unit back in clean and ready condition without repairs needed. etc.
I don't know where desertsun41 is from but I've never heard of moving someone in a house with no rent in advance.
I never require bank or credit card statements. That's nuts. The credit report along with a very detailed application has always been sufficient. He probably doesn't know how to read the credit report hence the reason for sitting down and going over line by line.
I also would never refuse cash for a rent payment. I welcome it.... No chance for bounced checks that way. The only way I would require cash (or bank check) is when a check is returned for NSF and that is stipulated in my rental agreements. I also feel it's a waste to take "last month's rent". I just like to take a higher security deposit.
I also welcome picking up the rent myself as it gives me a chance to view the premises (from the door) unless something would warrant a walk-thru which is also completely legal. You have to understand that the owner is turning over his investment to a stranger. He's being a total nosy landlord and I wish you the best.

[Candi1980]

Hi All!! Just wanted to give a quick update since you all have been so helpful. My husband decided to have a friendly chat with our landlord and he told him flat out that we would deliver our rent in cash to him on or before the first of the month. Funny how when he was talking to another man he backed right down and agreed.

He also asked him about driving by our home all the time and he denied that he was. (of course) My husband told him that anytime he felt he needed to inspect the home all he has to do is give us 24 hr notice and he was more than welcome to do a walk through. Sooo, hopefully this will calm things down.

Thank you all so much for all your responses. I truly hope we can work things out because I really don't want to move again until we actually decide to buy something.

[Dracula]

Get some nanny cams installed and catch him inside the house when you are not there, then you could sue him...or at least have that to hold over his head.

[Mojo12000]

Is he giving you receipts??? If not, I would definitely start making him do that. Be blunt but not forceful, say that if you are expected to abide by regulations than it is your right as a tenant to get monthly signed receipts saying all rent was payed in full and on time.
I think that the real estate game sometime, especially in the leasing department, can be tricky at best. Make sure you read over your lease carefully, probably wouldn't even be a bad idea to get some legal counsel in the matter. I'm sure there are plenty of housing/real estate lawyers around here.
From the sounds of things, I wouldn't expect to get that security deposit back...