Location: Washington, DC
Hi,
So I (29F) rented a room from an older guy who lives on the property that I am renting. I initially agreed to live there with the understanding that he would be living in a separate part of the house. Two weeks before I moved in, and after already signing the lease and paying the deposit, he informs me that another male would be moving in. This made me uncomfortable, but I stuck through It being that I was moving from another state alone.
Fast forward to last Saturday, the landlord and I were in the kitchen cooking our dinner (as we sometimes did with no issue). I guess he didn’t want me in the kitchen or was upset with me, but I noticed from the corner of my eye that he would repeatedly walk up to me, stand over me, and not say a word. It made me extremely uncomfortable being that we were in a small, confined space. He also pulled out the freezer door and hit me with hit instead of saying “excuse me,” and slammed the faucet when I forgot to turn It completely off (It was dripping). The situation devolved into an argument after he plugged out the air fryer while I was still using it. When I asked him to plug It back in, he became a bit irate about putting up the dishes (I put up my own dishes not anyone else’s. He also never asks the other guy to do anything at all), which led to us exchanging words. After calling a few friends, I decided to record the room I’m renting (just in case he tried to lie about me breaking anything) and leave. I also sent an email the day after explaining that I plan to end my lease because I no longer feel comfortable. He never responded. Yesterday, I moved out and recorded everything (just in case). I then sent another email asking for:
1) prorated return of May’s rent (for the remaining days that I won’t be there, which is about half of the months rent)
2) security deposit
He never responded. I think he is going to try to run off with my money.
Do I have any Recourse?
EDIT: Also, when I tried to file a police report (for documentation purposes) they stated that I wont be able to because he “didn’t do anything.” Instead, they recommended that I document everything, which I have been doing very diligently.
Comments
Breaking a lease doesnt usually end with the landlord owing you money. Also was it a month to month or year lease
What does your lease say about breaking it early?
Getting along with roommates even if it’s the landlord is not cause to penalty free break the lease.