Your opinion, please. Re: Bad Landlord

[purduejake]

For the past 6 months I've had trouble with this landlord. The day we moved in, the lard lord-provided internet wasn't working throughout the entire complex, composed of at least 8 buildings. After a month of still not having internet access, I finally consulted an attorney who told me to tell them to fix it, or I would be moving out and taking people with me. This involves the landlord because they opted to hire a shady communications company to custom-wire the apartments with proprietary fixtures so we HAVE to use their services. The internet and cable is included in the rent, so I get upset when it is not working and can't go anywhere else.

Anyway, to make a long story short the landlord has been going out of her way to cause me problems by accusing me of harassment for complaining about the internet, refusing to fix our door locks, locking me out of the clubhouse and gym, refusing to accept packages... you get the idea.

SOOOOO, here is where I need your advice. I am now being sued for $200 because I called the fire department when the building-wide alarm malfunctioned and I could not get in touch with management -- and there turned out to be no fire. This really ticked me off, so I just recently registered the website domain names of "http://mccormickplaceapartments.com" and "http://mccormickapartments.com" when the landlord's website is "http://mccormickapts.com." I've already begun a page documenting my complaints, but is there any reason I should NOT present my case on my registered domain names? I clearly state it is a personal site. Let me know. Thanks so much!

edit: the site with my complaints is not up yet. It's still my personal site

[wtmusic]

1. No, just be factual

You don't need any libel charges brought against you

[purduejake]

3. Oh, I will be factual.

I am going to lay out the supporting documents and pictures with each claim.

[neuvocat]

2. Maybe this will help:

http://www.hud.gov/local/in/renting/tenantrights.cfm

[Illinois_Dem]

4. Why not countersue?

You certainly haven't received the full benefit of your bargain with the landlord.

[purduejake]

6. I will countersue, but the IN courts are packed with....

pro-landlord judges. I'vee dealt with them before. One judge found that I was responsible for the fines associated with my would-be roommate's refusal to move in with me after I came out to him. Another found that I should not get my money back when my parents (who my landlord just outed me to) admittedly forged my signature on one of my checks and on a document agreeing not to move-in. Nevermind the fact that I was 19 at the time and my parents were not on the lease. That's why I've learned to play these little games with landlords. hehe.

[Padraig18]

7. I didn't know you were gay.

What a handsome dude!

:D

[purduejake]

11. Yep, too gay for Indiana :)

I appreciate the compliment. I often seek refuge in your great blue state of IL. Chicago is the best!

[Padraig18]

12. Make your way west, some time.

We'd love to show you Champaign. It's a fun place to party.

:)

[Worst Username Ever]

5. lol, you are evil

I think you need to consult an attorney prior to doing this, although as long as you are not libelous I don't see why you couldn't do this.

I noticed you were in NROTC for a year, so was I. Long enough to get my sail training done anyway, then I got tired of it. It really cut into my drinking time.

[purduejake]

9. Haha, I know...

But it's the only way to get at the landlords around here since they are not bound to the law.

I was smart enough to get my ass out of ROTC (and full-ride scholarship) after Bush took office. I knew he was a dumbass who I didn't want to work for, but I also didn't trust him. I chose to give up the scholarship (~$90,000) and take loans and never looked back.

[barackmyworld]

8. I thought you could not do that to websites?

Maybe someone posted a link on here, but I have read something about laws preventing people from "squatting" on domain names. I think there might have been info on wikipedia. You can get sued for registering "http://barnseandnoble.com" or other misspellings, etc.

[purduejake]

10. I see that all the time, though...

And, if they wanted the domain name, they should have bought it. I want to use it for legitimate purposes concerning my personal opinions of McCormick Place Apartments and feel the domain name is appropriate. Hopefully it is legal. I am still looking into it before actually publishing the site critical of the management.

edit: I realized I sounded defensive when I didn't mean to. I'm glad you brought that point up so I can look into it. You guys are the best! :D