Bad Reference From Current Apt Mgr, Please Help! (apartment complex, leasing)

[dba07]

As some of you are aware, I've had a difficult time with my current complex. Well today I was declined a new rental because of comments the current complex had made about me. As I understand it (and as the other landlord confirmed to me), they aren't allowed to make negative comments to others about me without written permission. The comment was about the condition of the rental (a lie), not my payment history. I've never been cited nor fined for the apartment's conditon, and they even offered to renew me (which they conveniently refused to disclose to the new landlord).

It's hard enough to find a decent rental without this nonsense. What should I do? Thanks!

[Torpedos]

what part of town? how much do you wanna spend? how big?
not sure if you just wanted to vent or something. I am sure there are apartments that dont even ask for references. but i am sure they will not be good apts.

[TexasRedneck]

Got a friend that's an attorney? Have 'em make a call on your behalf....because of their actions, you can demonstrate actual damages by being denied tenancy based on their representations.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

A letter from an attorney would probably do the job. Before you spend the money on that, you should call the corporate office of your current property and ask to speak to their district manager. You will probably have to leave a message. In your message, say that you are hiring an attorney because the complex manager is making false, negative comments about you to prevent you from leasing at another complex. When the district manager calls you back (and she will), explain the situation and tell her that the new landlord said it was illegal and that you should talk to your attorney about it, but that you wanted to give the company a chance to make it right first.

Sometimes it's difficult to get the phone number for the corporate offices of your apartment complex. The office staff won't usually give it to you. If you can't get the number, then call another property that is managed by the same company. Tell that property that you have a back balance at a property that their company used to own, and that you want to pay it and need their corporate office number so you can get it straightened out.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Also, when a complex is doing shady things like that, you need to be extra careful with your valuables and little important items (like remote controls, spare keys, important paperwork, etc) while you're moving out. Make a box of stuff like that and keep it in your car when you leave the apartment so it doesn't wander away. I had that happen a couple of times at different complexes after I complained about the manager or office staff.

[The Man in SATX]

I would like to know what complex.. I would never rent from them if I knew

[lessQQmorePEWPEW]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

Sometimes it's difficult to get the phone number for the corporate offices of your apartment complex. The office staff won't usually give it to you. .

erm. if they dont give you that information, take down their name and the time you called. it is against the law for them to not give out their corporate contact information.

contact someone with the TRA and file a complaint. TRA should be able to give you their corp number as well.

also, in reference to the reference they gave you, i believe it is like a work reference in that they are only allowed to say certain things like when you rented there, how long you rented and MAYBE if you were late on any payments. thats it.

[theeddie]

Originally Posted by TexasRedneck

Got a friend that's an attorney? Have 'em make a call on your behalf....because of their actions, you can demonstrate actual damages by being denied tenancy based on their representations.

this is your best option.


--im back