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Corrupt Landlords

post #1 of 16
6/2/09 at 11:46pm
Thread Starter 
I'm asking everyone I know about this since I'm in a messed up situation and looking for any knowledge and typing will cool me off before I do something insane.

A former landlord of mine cashed an old bad check. I had reimbursed him for the check immediately after I realized it was bad 4 months ago. But he just up and cashed it again today. Now I'm F&CKED for my June rent for my new place. He sent me an email saying he cashed it so as to rub it in. What course of action can I take? I know there is small claims court but that's not an easy process and it could be up to a year before I see any money if I win the case (a friend of mine went to small claims, won and after a year started to see some money). I mean as civilized as I'd like to think I am, part of me wants to go Mafia on the landlord and literally beat the $$$ out of him. That could end up being more expensive though. But has anyone dealt with a corrupt landlord like this before? I know it's my fault partially for not canceling the check immediately. My temper mixed with my impulsive nature wants to go over to his place right now at 12a.m but the good angel on my shoulder is saying there is an easier more "legal" way to get my money back.

- Al
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post #2 of 16
6/3/09 at 4:54am
  • kbe
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A few questions to better understand your legal position:

Did you obtain a receipt for the actual payment you made to make up for the bad check?

If not, did anyone witness the transfer of money from you to the landlord?

Do you have a signed copy of the written lease/rental agreement? Did you move out in a manor consistant with the terms of that agreement?

Did your bank stamp the check as NSF and indicate it could not be re-deposited? (Some banks have actually cashed such voided checks in the past). It is normal practice for a renter to obtain the bad check when restitution is made.

Are you the only renter of record for the rental/lease period you agreed to in the unit you occupied?

You saved the email that he sent indicating he was cashing the check 'to rub it in' ?

My non-professional opinion is you will have to go legal to have any chance of getting your money back without compromising your safety and legal position. I would start with any local controlling agency dealing with leasing or renting units and move to an attorney if they cannot/refuse to help.
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post #3 of 16
6/3/09 at 5:35am
A BNer revenge

1. Buy about 20 ml of pure civet oil*
2. Spray it liberally on his door, window frames, the gap between the front door and the floor

Revenge is a dish best served stinky.

*: Or if you really really hate the guy, JPG Le Male.
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post #4 of 16
6/3/09 at 6:21am
BNer revenge (2).

A liberal dose of Fahrenheit should result in a toxic exclusion zone on a par with Chernobyl.
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post #5 of 16
6/3/09 at 8:43am
Thread Starter 
Fixed the situation. My way. Thanks for the insight guys. Much appreciated. I've found that vigilante methods sometimes work better than the flawed US legal system. Attorneys cost too much and love stretching out a case to collect more $$$. Small Clams takes too long.

- Al
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post #6 of 16
6/3/09 at 9:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GourmandHomme View Post

A BNer revenge

1. Buy about 20 ml of pure civet oil*
2. Spray it liberally on his door, window frames, the gap between the front door and the floor

Revenge is a dish best served stinky.

*: Or if you really really hate the guy, JPG Le Male.

Remember Seinfeld's B.O. in the car episode? If you could get near the air vent....there could be trouble. I'm just sayin'...
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post #7 of 16
6/3/09 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kumquat View Post

Remember Seinfeld's B.O. in the car episode? If you could get near the air vent....there could be trouble. I'm just sayin'...

I vaguely recall that one. however, what a wonderful idea! Just have to make sure though that air vent is only for inside his place and it's not a shared intake. it's not fair to hit his neighbors too.
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post #8 of 16
6/3/09 at 3:34pm
If you know his car, I mean. No cameras, no fingerprints. Just a few drops in the crack of the hood & dash... I scare myself sometimes....
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post #9 of 16
6/3/09 at 4:42pm
Thread Starter 
I'd prefer to go about this legally or face him directly. I'm a very upfront person. I don't like doing snide things behind peoples backs I don't even talk bad about people or slander. I'd prefer to put someone face through a wall than wreck their car. The car did nothing wrong you know? Ultimately, I'd prefer to take legal action and come to a more civilized resolution. He violated a civil code (1970.5) so I have to the right to sue him for 3x my rent. Longterm satisfaction (a 4K resolution in my favor) vs. short term fulfillment (snapping his spine). Hmm . . . I ponder.

- Al
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post #10 of 16
6/3/09 at 5:44pm
When you absolutely, positively, undoubtedly have to kill all scumbag landlords.......



Good ole western negotiations
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post #11 of 16
6/3/09 at 6:01pm
Naturally, I'm only helping you fantasize the ideal revenge. In Seinfeld's episode he is stuck with a stinky car because the valet had tenacious BO. He finally has to leave it on the street with the keys in it hoping someone will steal it. The criminal who jumps into it abandons it because of the smell.

I actually do know someone (nameless here) who left a despised employer a putrid present. The oil used by hunters to attract some animal or other. I imagine it drove customers away for some time until they chloroxed it away.
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post #12 of 16
6/3/09 at 7:27pm
I work for a property management company (Landlord) My advice is take this person to small claims court immediately. Also, contact your bank and his. Immediately.

I know this isn't exciting or cathartic. Yes, it will take time. But it's still the right way to go. And for goodness sake. SAVE THAT EMAIL, and all other correspondence.
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post #13 of 16
6/3/09 at 8:14pm
and if you can afford it, spend the extra cash to have the sheriff's dept deliver the notice as opposed to having it done by mail...

He'll probably wet himself because he'll assume it's become a criminal matter when he's sees the cruiser pull into the driveway.

or a nice neck crank could give him something to think about .
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post #14 of 16
6/3/09 at 9:50pm
...and next time, put a stop payment or get the check back. A lot of tellers don't really pay attention, and I suspect it should have never been re-cashed. It could be a bank mistake, in which case the bank is the one who should fix it.
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post #15 of 16
6/3/09 at 11:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asha View Post

...and next time, put a stop payment or get the check back. A lot of tellers don't really pay attention, and I suspect it should have never been re-cashed. It could be a bank mistake, in which case the bank is the one who should fix it.

Welllllll I told the bank when you get a 4 month old check that says in BIG BLOCK LETTERS "APRIL RENT" and you get it in June don't you think something is strange?

It's just not fair and the problem with Small Claims court is EVEN if you win the court cannot mandate a payment so the guilty party can delay for as long as they want. I'd have to put a liens on their property. I'm not the Repo man and shouldn't have to be. Civil court takes over a year and attorney costs so that's out of the question as well.

The landlord is testing me by emailing me snide remarks too (which OF COURSE I'm saving). But a few more and the rifle posted above would be a gift. Spine crank? I'm thinking of a kimora on each arm then an anaconda choke for 5 minutes. Then dress him in drag while he's asleep and take pictures for his wife. Now that's funny!

- Al
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post #16 of 16
6/6/09 at 6:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by anak View Post

I'd prefer to put someone face through a wall than wreck their car. The car did nothing wrong you know?

- Al

Now that's got to be the most refreshing quote I've heard all year!

I've got this former co-worker that's always sending me chain letters with sappy quotes, she means well but it gets a bit annoying Khalil Gibran she ain't.

Uzi does it,

Mario
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