A warning to others. (Seattle, Vancouver: rental, hotel, squatters)

[Jenifunk]

Wow, thanks for posting this. Not that we hadn't thought that it could happen, but after reading about your experience I am definitely making sure that my husband fly down to Washington a week before our move to scout out housing. We are moving from Anchorage to Bellingham and are looking to rent as well. I hope things turned out better for you guys!

[cdelena]

I am very sorry you had that experience. I was able to find quality rentals using Craigslist but I am sorry I have not retained info on the agents.

My experience taking possession of the house I bought here in Vancouver was also a disappointing experience but that is a story for another post.

Good luck, moving is hard enough even without the low-life interactions.

[st33lcas3]

Dang, that sucks. I hope it doesn't sour your view of Vancouver. It's a real nice city where the majority of people are nice and respectful.
Document everything. Pictures, copies of paperwork, anything and everything concerning this slumlord. They are supposed to make sure the house is livable. Mold and missing appliances are two huge no-noes. Your contract should be null and void at that point.
There are legal options you can pursue and if those don't work, contact KPTV (kptv.com - FOX 12 Investigators) and they will embarrass this guy on their news show.

[forestpixey]

Thank you, we I just got on the fox 12 investigators web site and told my story we will se what happens.

[thepizzaguy]

That's what I was going to suggest. You should give the news tip a call too.

That's a disgusting story. I hope it will work out in your favor.

And good advice too. Don't buy or rent a house or apt off the internet without seeing the place 1st.

Before the motels become too expensive, you should try to find one that has WEEKLY/MONTHLY RATES. Camping is another option. At least for me it would be.

[Sandy Nelson]

I'm sorry you you had such an unfortunate experience. My advice to you would be to contact the Tenants Union of Washington. They are a tenants' advocacy group who should be able to help you.
Good luck to you and your family.

Sandy

[forestpixey]

Thank you for the info. We went down to the courthouse today and picked up the paperwork to file a small claims suit. We are still having trouble finding a place to rent. I'm getting really scared. We are going to run out of funds soon.

[forestpixey]

I have another question. We went down the other day to get the papers so we can file a small claim suit against this guy.. We haven't found a place yet! What I'm wondering is should I file now for the max of 4000.00, then adjust in court if necessary or should I wait until we find a place and have a final amount? And, if I do wait how long do I have to file?

[geometricdisaster]

Originally Posted by forestpixey

I have another question. We went down the other day to get the papers so we can file a small claim suit against this guy.. We haven't found a place yet! What I'm wondering is should I file now for the max of 4000.00, then adjust in court if necessary or should I wait until we find a place and have a final amount? And, if I do wait how long do I have to file?

Maybe the local post office would be able to point you in the right direction as to where to file the claim.

[forestpixey]

Well, we found a place. Moving in tomarrow. It's in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Not far from friends and my husbands work .. We really like the area.. Lots of trees. great schools for the kids.. So now we just have to move our things in. I'll be able to get the lawsuit paperwork in soon now that we will have all our totals.. I just hope it doesn't take too long.