Fellow Denverites! Is there an agency that resolves landlord/tenant

[joeybee12]

disputes? A government agency? Basically, my landlord is being a prick, and I doubt I have any rights. But if I do, I'd like to contact that agency. Thanks!:hi:

[hlthe2b]

1. It seems CO has very little protection (legally) for tenants...

I had an issue years ago and had a lawyer friend of mine investigate. He recommended I try to be a as friendly (:mad:) as possible, and reason with them--throwing in a little guilt and reverse psych as needed...


That being said, the tv news have (9 or 7, I think) have investigative reports that sometimes will help with these things or refer you.

Good luck. Once again, it is the moneyed that have the protection of the law....

[joeybee12]

2. Thanks...

...I can't find any listings in the phone book or even on the web site. I'll make a call to the general line later, but I ain't optimistic.

[politicat]

3. Best I know of...

is here: http://www.dola.state.co.us/doh/Documents/Advances/tenant-l.htm

Do you feel comfortable giving an idea of the situation? Being a prick is unfortunately rather vague and not illegal in Colorado (as certain prominent idiots in Colorado Springs prove...)

[joeybee12]

4. No, I don't mind giving the story...

...it's just that it's kind of long!

[Hawkeye-X]

5. I'm all ears..

if you have the time, maybe we can figure what we can do to help resolve it.

[joeybee12]

6. Here it is in a nutshell...

...Recall the weekend of February 18-19 when it was bitterly cold. That Saturday morning I woke up with no water coming out of my kitchen sink. I phoned the landlord and he said there was nothing to be done. I told him this could be a big problem because of the bitter cold. He still replied there was nothing to be done. He really never fixes anything, and this was just another instance.

Then Sunday evening I got a knock on my door from another neighbor who saw water running down the window of the apartment below me. We checked my stuff--nothing was flooding, and then called the lazy landlord. Yes, a pipe had burst between our apartments, and over the next day they had to dig through my apartment and the one below me to fix everything.

Then I go to Europe for 3 weeks, and upon my return is an envelope with an invoice inside for about $430 for damages--itemized for labor and parts. I wrote back saying I was not responsible for this essentially because I told him of the problem, and he did nothing, and that the pipe wasn't even in my apartment.

Instead of a response, at 5 a.m. this past Friday he put another letter through my door slot--waking me up of course--giving me a 30-day move-out notice. No reason other than pointing to my lease saying that either party could end it with 30 days notice. He has yet to respond about the invoice, and of course the move-out notice is retaliation, but I doubt there's much I can do. I just doubt there's a government agency that can mediate this. Any ideas?

Well, it wasn't a nutshell, but that's what's going on, and I fear when you have a worthless landlord in Denver, there's not much you can do.

[politicat]

7. Check your lease and make sure you have a record of the phone call.

The best thing about cell phones and VOIP phones is the call tracking, IMHO. However, Qworst can track this stuff as well.

If your lease says something to the effect of problems with the property must be notified immediately, and that infrastructure of the property is not your responsibility (aka standard lease) then yes, the termination notice is retaliation, and you should consider taking him to court for moving costs.

Small claims court can be a wonderful thing, especially if you have the records of the calls.

[joeybee12]

8. Thanks...I'm sure I can get a record of the phone calls...

...I just re-checked the lease and it does say to notify in writing except in cases of emergency, which I believe this instance was. Doesn't specfiically mention infrastructure, but there isa a section titled "Owner Promises" to properly maintain....fixtures, hot water...etc. The actual word infrastructure is not used, nor is the word plumbing. Hmmm. I would assume that the retaliation part is my saving grace, though. Thanks again.

[paulk]

9. call your city council person and ask them

I don't know where you live in Denver - some are more responsive than others. You'll probably get an aide - but they can at least point you in the right direction.

I've been able to get a lot of things done by calling my council person - it's an option a lot of people don't realize exists.

To find out who your council person is go to the Denver city gov website.

[joeybee12]

10. Thanks--good idea! n/t

[Buddyblazon]

11. My family owns lots of real estate...

and I had a problem with a landlord when I was still renting here in Denver.

My Sister (a pitbull) steered me through the law, and told me what to do.

He wouldn't relinquish our deposit. And that is likely what this fucker will do when you get ready to move out. So here is the law and you should be able to totally fuck him.

A landlord in CO has 30 days to give you back your deposit. By law, they must also provide you with an itemized list of any deductions from the deposit.

If he doesn't give you your deposit AND a list after 30 days (you said he's lazy...so cross your fingers he doesn't) you send him a letter (have a lawyer draft it up) saying he has 7 days to refund the FULL amount of the deposit. That's the law...if he doesn't give you the deposit AND and itemized list of deductions in those 30 days he forfeits the FULL amount of your deposit.

If (and here's where it gets fun) he doesn't give you your FULL deposit in those 7 days, you can take him to court. You WILL receive at the very least your full deposit. And you can be awarded up to 3 times the amount of your deposit. I.E...1000$ deposit...you can be awarded $3000.

Realize normal "wear and tear" (paint...carpet) CANNOT be deducted from your deposit. He'll try that. But he'd be wrong.



I just helped my friend through a situation where the Landlord said he was filing for bankruptcy and couldn't give him his deposit back. Even after someone (rep for the landlord) looked at the place and said they should get their full deposit.

I told him how it worked. He went to an ex-girlfriend who happens to be a lawyer. They drew up they letter, paid for someone to serve the guy with the 7 day notice.

We were at his new place, the phone rang, it was the landlord. He tried to act like he was sorry, but that he just didn't have the money. My friend kept his mouth shut.

After 7 days, they served him again...this time notifying him that they were going to take him to court and seek treble damages.

He called my friend back all pissed off. My friend told him to talk to his lawyer. The landlord tells the lawyer even if they do win, he won't pay. The lawyer says, "Fine, will just put a lein on your properties...can't sell them without paying us". And the guy was in serious financial trouble and trying to liquidate his properties.

Later that afternoon, I was at my buddies house. Landlord called all apologetic. Tried to offer my friend 100% of the deposit back.

"Sorry man. You had your chance. I would rather wait and get triple the money then to take only 100%."

Landlord actually started crying. My friend had to cover the phone because he couldn't keep from laughing. And I was egging him on the whole time.

Finally, after making him sweat for a couple of days, my friend settled with him for just under triple the amount. Basically enough to pay his lawyer, cover his costs, and double the amount of the deposit.

This was only about 8 months ago. I know the laws haven't changed since then.

Talk to a lawyer. And have phone screwing this guy.

WHEEEEEEEEE!

[joeybee12]

12. Thanks for the great advice...

...I'm sure he has no intention of ever giving me that money. It's only $350, but it's $350 that should be mine. I also plan on taking some digital (time and date stamped) photos to prove there was no damage when I left.

Thanks again!