Comments

1

The police can't do anything because it's a civil matter, not a criminal one, unfortunately. Police are useless anyway.

You do have rights, though, despite what landlords like everyone in Portland to believe.
He has no right to do what he did and if you hire a lawyer and take him to court for it, you would win. The question is, is it worth your time and effort?

If your landlord enters without notice or permission, behaves unreasonably while in your home, or harasses you by repeatedly demanding to enter, you can ask for court protection. In these situations, you may obtain a court order restraining your landlord from these illegal acts. You may be entitled to further damages as well, such as your attorney fees and a penalty equal to one month’s rent. Finally, you may end the rental agreement altogether.

https://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1258_TenantPrivacy.htm

2

Beginning at 8:30 this morning the landlord started sending texts...

"Hope you know you are out. I officially told the policeman you called on me yesterday. You are out."

And...

"So to be clear. You have officially been notified; as of yesterday you are out."

Then...

"24 hour notice. I am going to enter your room tomorrow."

Who knows why.

Yes, what he's doing is wrong. And yes, there are laws meant to protect me as a tenant from wrong doing. But the situation is devolving fast, and those laws mean nothing as long as I have neither the time, nor the money to make use of them.

I feel awful, because I'm helpless. I just have to find somewhere else to live... fas

4

@2 You can move and then sue. The landlord is engaging in illegal activity and should be held accountable. He will simply do this again to another tenant. Also, he cannot just tell you you are out. He has to follow the law and the police CAN be involved in that matter, because he is engaging in criminal activity (harassment for one, illegal eviction for another).

https://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1253_ResidentialEvictionNotices.htm

I am not making light of your situation. I know how stressful it is. I reported a landlord in NYC for animal cruelty. They told me I had to move out. I informed them, in writing, that I absolutely did not have to move out and how the law was on my side (granted NYC tenant laws are MUCH MUCH STRONGER). I ended up moving out, but on my terms and when I chose to do so (two months later). There was no retaliation because the law was on my side.

I also broke a two year lease in NYC (which would require my paying two year's worth of rent before leaving) due to my apartment becoming uninhabitable (the bathroom ceiling came crashing down after numerous floods in the building and them "painting over" the mold). The landlord said he would take me to court, to which I responded, go ahead, I would love nothing more than my day in court with you! Three days before I told him I would be moving out (and I left him with my security deposit as my final month's rent), he called and said he was not going to take me to court "for personal reasons." I was a good tenant and he knew he was wrong. That apartment sat empty for two years, so he clearly the apartment WAS uninhabitable.

I am not wealthy. I had no help from anyone else. I was a single woman, living alone, fighting against landlords (who in the first case lived in the building). It wasn't easy and it was extremely stressful, but it was the right thing to do in both cases.

Only you know what is right for you to do. You are not, however, trapped with no recourse to fight this landlord, even after leaving his rental.

5

Christina Rae is right on here! I can't tell whether you have a rental agreement or not, but if your agreement does not forbid it, get a friend to stay with you. I am wondering whether Multnomah County's domestic violence program can help you move? As CR says, only you know what it's worth to you. All the best! Beware and take care.

6

It is 💯% illegal to evict some on that short of notice. At the VERY least you get 60 days (30 days for the notice, another 30 after the original notice to file with the court), and in most states there is an additional 30 before the sheriff can actually show up and remove you. Memorize the language of the law and calmly explain that you will file for a restraining order if you feel unsafe for one second.

7

harry ainsworth is the best landlord tennant attorney in portland, and takes cases like this
punish that smarmy punk and maybe something like this wont happen again

8

Thank you, to everyone who has commented in support of my original post. I've found a new place, and will be moving soon.

In the mean time I'd appreciate more thoughts on what I can do to fight the problematic landlord... even though I've told him I'm moving out, he continues to harass me, apparently just to prove that he can.

He's still drunk most of time, and has started repeatedly knocking on my door, long and loud. When I ask why, he only says, "I just wanted to see if you were home."

Part of me just wants to get out, and turn the page. Another part keeps thinking that there should be consequences to his actions.

9

Other than the links I posted and the other comment that recommended a lawyer, I'm not sure how I can tell you what you need to do. You're probably going to have to talk to a lawyer.

Call the Tenants Rights' hotline: The Renters Rights Hotline can be reached at 503-288-0130 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 1-5pm, and Tuesdays 6-8pm. The Hotline is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, and we usually return calls within one or two days.

Thoughts on things I'd do: video the guy when he comes over drunk. Call the cops every time he shows up (he doesn't have the right to stalk you or harass you just because he's your landlord - that becomes a criminal problem). But PS I don't expect cops to do anything.

It's an even bigger problem if he keeps harassing you after you've left. Document every incident (even if its just you writing down every interaction you have had with him). Take photos. Find out how to file a restraining order. When he puts up an ad advertising the apartment for rent, warn potential tenants. Take him to small claims court when he doesn't return your security deposit (this is where having photos of your apartment after you've moved your stuff out becomes essential).


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