descrimination or landlord-tenant lawyer? (Hartford: lease, credit, house)

newly11 · 09-08-2013, 12:02 PM

hi, we're a young couple, both French teachers relocating from Belgium to Hartford this month. we've been reading about the complaints or less favorable opinions about Connecticut on this Forum and unfortunately, we have reasons to believe this might be something specific to the state and hopefully not the entire country. not adequately instructed by our realtor when house searching, we signed a lease with an individual who afterwards demonstrated misconduct towards our family. we have been intensively looking for an attorney in this area, but all we have found is "only landlord representation" or not willing at all to take the case or support us adequately. one firm we contacted said this might be a case of discrimination and not only landlord-tenant law. we are totally lost. we do not know anyone in the area and the college where we'll be both working hasn't been helpful at all. is this a typical representation of Connecticut welcoming? we would appreciate some guidance. we want to believe we have rights as well!

suzy_q2010 · 09-08-2013, 12:46 PM

What is the misconduct you have experienced?

mlassoff · 09-08-2013, 05:04 PM

I don't think this country has any history of discriminating against people form Belgium. I'm sorry you've had a difficult time. You may be having a difficult time because the decisions most landlords make are credit-based and you don't have a US credit file. With no history of prompt payment to rely on a landlord has no way to ascertain whether you're likely to pay rent on time. I wouldn't rent to you under these circumstances, without a substantial deposit. You might be very nice people, but business is business and I have assets to protect.

I will say this as well: This is one of the most enlightened areas of the country and a great number of us are very proud to live here. You probably wouldn't take kindly to me coming to your home country and making insinuations based on what I read in an online forum-- Please don't do that to us.

JayCT · 09-09-2013, 08:52 AM

I am not sure what your issue is but check out this group for assistance. Maybe they can advise you. Jay

Free Legal Services for Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities | Connecticut (CT) Legal Rights Project, Inc. | CLRP

parentologist · 09-10-2013, 12:17 PM

Can you tell us what happened? Some of us are landlords, who can tell you what is standard here. Don't be swayed by the complainers on this board - CT is a largely liberal, tolerant, educated region. What people don't like about this area is the high taxes and high cost of living.

JayCT · 09-10-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parentologist

Can you tell us what happened? Some of us are landlords, who can tell you what is standard here. Don't be swayed by the complainers on this board - CT is a largely liberal, tolerant, educated region. What people don't like about this area is the high taxes and high cost of living.

Very true but they won't tell you that for the most part, their salaries more than compensate for the higher taxes and cost of living. Jay

southernct03 · 09-12-2013, 10:13 AM

This is not typical of Connecticut! I'm sorry they haven't treated you well.
Like others asked before me, can you gibe more details of the misconduct? (If you're comfortable doing so.) Someone here may be able to help.

Since you said you've signed a lease, that probably rules out financial or business reasons for the behavior. If you dial 211 on your phone (or infoline211.org), they may be able to help you find the proper resources, too.

Off-beat · 09-13-2013, 12:54 AM

What a nasty, offensive thread.

So all people from Connecticut are out to "demonstrate misconduct" towards others? And how exactly did you come to that conclusion?

First you trash Connecticut and then you ask those of us from Connecticut to help you? How dare you!

You're going to have a really rough time in this state. I suggest you go back to belgium as soon as possible. You are not welcome here.

JayCT · 09-13-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Off-beat

What a nasty, offensive thread.

So all people from Connecticut are out to "demonstrate misconduct" towards others? And how exactly did you come to that conclusion?

First you trash Connecticut and then you ask those of us from Connecticut to help you? How dare you!

You're going to have a really rough time in this state. I suggest you go back to belgium as soon as possible. You are not welcome here.

We do not know the exact circumstances of the situation the OP is in. They may have a reasonable claim. All we can do is let them know their options. Being nasty to them does not help or change their impressions. I only hope the OP will not hold the opinions and actions of a few against our great state. It is definitely not representing the vast majority. Jay

Lalalally · 09-13-2013, 06:22 PM

Not sure if its even worth adding anything as the OP has provided no follow-up, but what some are interpreting as abruptness or rudeness, may simply be attributable to the fact that english is not the OP's native language. He/she is obviously fluent, however certain nuances always do seem to get lost in translation. I grew up in a family of immigrants, and to this day some of the things that come out of their mouths would make an outsider cringe

It's definitely not their intention though -- it's just that their words don't always come out right. And for this reason I choose not to take offense to this post or believe there was any ill intent. Have a good weekend all!