‘He hid my keys’: Roommate-turned-landlord dumps woman's belongings outside despite an agreed upon late rent payment agreement, her wallet is stolen as a result

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  • 01
    My roommate turned landlord threw some of my belongings outside with no warning and for almost no reason
  • 02
    Hello this is my first time posting here (r/legal advice) but I'm panicking hard rn and I don't know what to do. Back story: my (26f) roommate (32m) became my landlord official this month. (His parents were my landlord before) And things started positive and I felt good about the change since he is more hands on. Well my rent was due on the 1st but I have a grave period of until the 5th (it's the 6th upon posting) and I never had an issue with paying rent or bills. Until this week.
  • 03
    Now to preface, I DO have the money and intend on paying as I've been trying to since the 31st. I have a job and everything. It's a new job though so I'm receiving checks from a different place than I was at my old job (3yrs) and apparently my bank, with no warning or previous situations, is holding my checks. I'm told this is normal and to give it a few days if even that. My landlord knows this. I've been very open with it. So yes, he IS aware and told me it was no problem.
  • 04
    I woke up this morning and walked out of my room to see not only my check I haven't deposited yet (because above) but also a note stating if I can't do what was agreed upon he would evict me. My check was not the full rent amount ($50 short) and I guess he thought I could pay rent based off of ONE check? I can make rent. I make decent money. He also knows this.
  • 05
    Anyway, as the morning went on I figured when he's awake we can talk. Until I couldn't find my backpack. Freaking out cuz my wallet was in there and my gut told me to look outside after awhile. All my stuff from the livingroom is outside. Just thrown out. And my wallet is gone. He hid my keys too but the house key was still attached so maybe he's trying to say something? I'm mad. Don't take my lack of sounding as not mad but I am in fact FURIOUS.
  • 06
    He's asleep rn and my boyfriend will be here in an hour to help? I'm not sure. I've never been in this situation before and I truthfully don't know what to do. Is there anything I can do? I signed my new lease literally a few days ago. I didn't receive a 30 day or anything official like that. Just my stuff thrown out and my wallet missing. I really need advice please help.
  • 07
    Significant-Repair42 · 23h ago Lot's of great advice for the legal stuff. Umm... maybe also call his parents and send them pictures? They aren't legal owners anymore, but maybe they can light him up over this.
  • 08
    Psycho_Bunny_Cutie OP. 23h ago They're completely hands off since they signed the place over to him. I sent an email but haven't gotten a reply yet but I'm not hopeful. I'm getting in contact with the sheriff RN but I'm terrified cuz I feel like I'm in the wrong here. Idk..I'm scared
  • 09
    NikWitchLEO • 21h ago Was your check actual mail? Like he opened it? Did he remove it from the mailbox without your permission? If so, call the cops immediately. Above all, that one's a felony. Mail is taken more seriously at times. than
  • 10
    Psycho_Bunny_Cutie OP 21h ago It wasn't in an envelope but it was sealed if that makes sense? My job doesn't have direct deposit so they hand you your check and you gotta tear these pieces off in order to view it
  • 11
    ProudPumpkin9185 • 20h ago Yep, I'm on the police bandwagon if for no other reason than to document if it gets worse. It's not legal for your private property even touched let alone thrown like that. Document EVERYTHING!! Idk what state ur in but I'm actually a property owner and landlord and I can tell u, it's not legal in Tx, which is considered a "renters" state, meaning the law protects the tenants more than
  • 12
    Psycho_Bunny_Cutie OP 20h ago • I'm in California and uneducated about my rights here unfortunately. I guess since I've never had a payment issue before I just never thought to look that stuff up believing it wouldn't apply to me since I'm able to pay rent and up until now we've been on good terms.
  • 13
    ProudPumpkin9185 • 20h ago I get that. And it bc unfortunately it's a hard way to learn that not everyone is actually in ur corner. Was this your fault? Abso-freaking- lutly NOT. Just saying watch out for u and document everything even if it's not needed. Get to a safe place and get ur things w a police if u feel you need to! Some may not be happy about being called out for such a thing but it's about ur ATM!! If this person flipped the script once they'll do it again. Be safe!!!!
  • 14
    Lisa_Knows Best • 22h ago We're his parents good landlords when they were in control? Could you contact them? Ask is up with this ? In the meantime if you can't break your lease you need to start locking up your stuff. If was aware of the situation with the
  • 15
    rent/paychecks and then pulled this stunt he's a major AH. Do you feel unsafe? You can break a lease sometimes if you're in an unsafe environment. Talk to a lawyer maybe or the housing authority where you live. Good luck, stay safe.
  • 16
    Nomorepaperplanes 22h ago • Constable's office. Check to see the one nearest to you and determine what precinct you are in. They will have the advice for you because these offices specialize in stuff of this nature.
  • 17
    Don't be scared. You're not in the wrong. If it helps to pretend you are taking care of this for a dear friend or someone vulnerable, get into that headspace.
  • 18
    ore2623 19h ago . Everyone gave great advice so I'll just touch on what I didn't see. Although you have no reason to appease this man it might make it easier til you can figure out where you're gonna go or stay but cask them somewhere else they'll take like a small percentage but just pay him and him the
  • 19
    up. Read over your lease see what you can and cannot do. If you can install cameras blink cams are cheap and work like the ring doorbell. Keep your back back in your room and record any and all interactions you have with this man. Go over your lease again and see if you're protected in terms of him being able to evict you for dumb stuff or any stupid rules he can get you for. Stay safe
  • 20
    Calgary_Calico · 22h ago You are not in the ring in any way here. You communicated clearly what was happening with the rent money and why and he said it's not a problem, then proceeded to behave like a literal child and throw your things out and hide others on you. He is very much the only person in the wrong here.

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