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My landlord has been seriously crossing boundaries, almost immediately since I started rented about 4 months ago. To give an idea: he is in his mid 70's (although it's hard to tell), I am in my early 40's still married (husband works and lives in a different state) and I have not given any sign of interest in any way other than to speak about needed repairs in this rental townhouse.
His constant sexual innuendo, abd taking forever to make repairs, while bringing in about a dozen so-called handymen, repair people etc... who are more semi-pros than serious contractors, has led to a feeling of discouragement on my side, and overall tension since I started expressing the need for more seriousness on his side as a responsible landlord. When mentioning this to a neighbor, it was confirmed to me this landlord has had issues in the past, the similar kind, about repairs and making advances to either tenants or other neighbors. Since realizing I was actually shocked at the simple consideration of his advances, and super uncomfortable with so many people, (including himself standing there to supposedly hear about quotes), so often in and out of here (and mainly my bedroom where most of the repair-related issues have been), after I clearly expressed to him several times I was hoping for better qualified people to come less often and for all to to stay focused and try and be more efficient in coordinating appointments (oh and how many didn't show up at all), I have started to realize this landlord is just a very bored selfish retiree with no qualms about wasting people's time. His attitude has changed so much from seemingly "old school courtesy" to blatant chauvinism and utter lack of basic manners.
The last time he was here, standing in my bedroom, he started nagging and trying to start an argument, so I immediately asked him not to create a scene because despite renting this place, it was still my temporary "safe haven" and that he was just being crass raising his voice at me. I could clearly see him shaking, humiliated (at me not letting him talk down to me in my OWN BEDROOM), and wanting to show who was "boss". Told him it was a disgrace to have to remind these basic manners to someone his age who should know better, to which he replied I had better not finish unpacking my clothes from bins and be on my way to another place (one of the issues, albeit not health or safety related, is that closet doors do not work and Ive been unable to properly hang my clothes in 4 months of being here -another issue is a sliding door that doesn't lock, but there are many more maintenance issues).
This has obviously eaten up so much of my time (entire days arranged and rearranged as these people were coming in and out so often), and has become a huge headache, as anyone can imagine.
He now has repeated about 5 times that I should leave and has written and/or said veiled threats along the lines of "future proceedings", "understanding what he means" etc... etc... Having a child in this school district is the main reason I haven't already packed the little i've unpacked.
I signed a 2 year lease, as that's how long my child has to graduate HS, but foresee having to ask him to write a new lease to end at the end of school. I also foresee having to do my homework as far as tenants rights as he has been problematic in SO many different ways. Our communication has been in text and verbal only. I do not even have an email address for him! He has refused repeatedly to provide any sort of mailing address (I'd be fine with a simple P.O. box). I've never been one to litigate much, finding more interesting things to do in life, but am aware I should be able to send him certified mail in moments like these.
Does anyone know of a VA law regarding providing their mailing address?
I'm not sure about a law but if you know his name, the city in which he lives, and his approximate age you can search from him on whitepages.com, and that should give you an address.
If it were me I would seek out proper authorities immediately and ask for advice. Something to start documenting what is going on.
If it even means stopping by the police station and asking them what municipal office you should visit. Tell them you are responsible for the safety of a minor (your child).
Maybe you can handle this without a lawyer. Maybe the public defender can help, ask office. They may have ideas. Tell them you are responsible for the safety of a minor (your child).
If you end up out on the street it is going to be your word against his without some kind of documentation and story backup.
If he has a vehicle take down his license plate and vehicle description. If you have the means take a picture.
You are responsible for the safety of a minor (your child).
I agree and suggest that you do so as soon as you can put it all together.
Just be sure you get your deposit refund right.
I agree with this. Just leave. Why put up with that. Putting in an effort to document and notify authorities is energy you could be putting into finding a new landing spot.
It's very unfortunate that you're going to have to move in the middle of the school year. Hopefully, you can find a place in the same district. You will never have "quiet and peaceful enjoyment" of this unit. Move. But make sure you have documented in writing that he is giving you permission to move out early.
My landlord has been seriously crossing boundaries, almost immediately since I started rented about 4 months ago. To give an idea: he is in his mid 70's (although it's hard to tell), I am in my early 40's still married (husband works and lives in a different state) and I have not given any sign of interest in any way other than to speak about needed repairs in this rental townhouse.
His constant sexual innuendo, abd taking forever to make repairs, while bringing in about a dozen so-called handymen, repair people etc... who are more semi-pros than serious contractors, has led to a feeling of discouragement on my side, and overall tension since I started expressing the need for more seriousness on his side as a responsible landlord. When mentioning this to a neighbor, it was confirmed to me this landlord has had issues in the past, the similar kind, about repairs and making advances to either tenants or other neighbors. Since realizing I was actually shocked at the simple consideration of his advances, and super uncomfortable with so many people, (including himself standing there to supposedly hear about quotes), so often in and out of here (and mainly my bedroom where most of the repair-related issues have been), after I clearly expressed to him several times I was hoping for better qualified people to come less often and for all to to stay focused and try and be more efficient in coordinating appointments (oh and how many didn't show up at all), I have started to realize this landlord is just a very bored selfish retiree with no qualms about wasting people's time. His attitude has changed so much from seemingly "old school courtesy" to blatant chauvinism and utter lack of basic manners.
The last time he was here, standing in my bedroom, he started nagging and trying to start an argument, so I immediately asked him not to create a scene because despite renting this place, it was still my temporary "safe haven" and that he was just being crass raising his voice at me. I could clearly see him shaking, humiliated (at me not letting him talk down to me in my OWN BEDROOM), and wanting to show who was "boss". Told him it was a disgrace to have to remind these basic manners to someone his age who should know better, to which he replied I had better not finish unpacking my clothes from bins and be on my way to another place (one of the issues, albeit not health or safety related, is that closet doors do not work and Ive been unable to properly hang my clothes in 4 months of being here -another issue is a sliding door that doesn't lock, but there are many more maintenance issues).
This has obviously eaten up so much of my time (entire days arranged and rearranged as these people were coming in and out so often), and has become a huge headache, as anyone can imagine.
He now has repeated about 5 times that I should leave and has written and/or said veiled threats along the lines of "future proceedings", "understanding what he means" etc... etc... Having a child in this school district is the main reason I haven't already packed the little i've unpacked.
I signed a 2 year lease, as that's how long my child has to graduate HS, but foresee having to ask him to write a new lease to end at the end of school. I also foresee having to do my homework as far as tenants rights as he has been problematic in SO many different ways. Our communication has been in text and verbal only. I do not even have an email address for him! He has refused repeatedly to provide any sort of mailing address (I'd be fine with a simple P.O. box). I've never been one to litigate much, finding more interesting things to do in life, but am aware I should be able to send him certified mail in moments like these.
Does anyone know of a VA law regarding providing their mailing address?
You need to check tenant/landlord laws in Virginia. In most states the landlord must give at least 24 hour notice before entering a tenants house unless its an emergency such as a water leak, gas leak, etc. I would insist the landlord follow this rule. If he still shows up unannounced don't let him in and or call the police.
Another good thing to check is the local court records to see if the landlord has any current or previous court cases, especially judgements or divorces. If he does contact the attorneys in those cases and tell them you think landlord is not reporting income.
Also, check fire codes in your area and make sure landlord follows them. For example, rental units most likely need smoke and CO2 detectors. If they are not present contact fire dept.
Bonus points - tell the landlord to his face you are doing all of the above. I'll bet he'll stop harassing you after that.
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