Location: Pennsylvania
My main questions: Can I get my money back? Can she take legal action against me?
I moved in on July 10th. I signed her 2 page lease for one year and gave her $3,300 at signing (First, last, security for 1k each plus 300 for trash for the year)
In just the last eight days, she has:
– Accused a cleaner I’d hired of being someone who broke into the apartment and stole an air conditioner. This woman had never been to this property.
– Accused me of being in her bedroom, calling the cops at 3 am. They spoke to me, told me to keep my doors locked and call them if any issues arise.
-Let herself in at night while I was sleeping (and I’m 100% sure she stole my keys, but I can’t prove it. $600 to change the locks and get a new key fob for my subaru. Called the cops but she wouldn’t answer the door, so they said there was nothing more they could do. Just call a locksmith and try to bill her.)
-Multiple nights she’s pounded on our shared bedroom wall between 2 and 4 am, lasting up to 30 minutes
-Screamed at me for conversations that never happened. She seems to think I’ve demanded she give me food and yelled at her about repairing the attic stairs. Neither of these happened.
-Physically assaulted me by trying to wrestle my phone out of my hands inside my apartment. Called the cops on this one too, they’re issuing her a citation, however…
-She’s been STEALING MY MAIL. I finally set up a camera and I’m going to catch her tomorrow.
I’m tired of wedging a chair under my doorknob at night. I’m tired of being woken up in the middle of the night. I’m tired of being scared to leave my cats home alone. I’m tired of this costing me so much money (Moving twice, changing the locks, buying a camera, paying to start a second lease at a new place) I’m broke and I’m pissed.
I can move into a new apartment as early as Monday, but I’m unsure how to proceed. Can I write a letter to her asking to give me my money back, or else? “Or else” being legal action. Or should I go straight to getting a lawyer? Please help. I’ve been out of my mind anxious this entire week.
Comments
You can write that letter, yes. She would be free to ignore it though. Cutting your losses and moving is probably the best bet, as well as compiling any evidence you can in case she sues you for doing so. You could also sue her, but it may not be worth it.