Landlord Harassment: Examples and How to Stop It

Table of Contents

What Is Landlord Harassment
Landlord Harassment Examples
How to Stop Landlord Harassment
Landlord Harassment Bottom Line

What Is Landlord Harassment?

Landlord harassment is when a landlord engages in a pattern of behavior aimed at making a tenant's living conditions difficult or even unbearable. This behavior can range from constant minor annoyances to more severe actions that violate the tenant's legal rights. The aim of landlord harassment is often to pressure or force the tenant to vacate the property, typically so that they can increase the rent, find new tenants, or avoid legal obligations. 

Landlord Harassment Examples

1. Entering Without Permission
2. Ignoring Maintenance or Repairs
3. Disconnecting Utilities
4. Using Threats or Intimidation
5. Increasing Rent or Withholding Security Deposits
6. Attempting to Evict Without Cause
7. Causing Petty Inconveniences

1. Entering Without Permission

A landlord entering a tenant's place of residence without proper notice or permission is an invasion of the tenant's privacy, a violation of their rights, and likely a cause of distress. States or local jurisdictions have more specific laws regarding what is considered reasonable notice, including during what times the visits must occur. In all US states, a landlord can enter a property in an emergency, such as a burst pipe leaking into another apartment.

2. Ignoring Maintenance or Repairs

Ignoring requested repairs or maintenance by neglecting to address necessary fixes can lead to substandard living conditions for tenants. This can include ignoring plumbing issues, heating or cooling problems, and other needed repairs, creating discomfort and potential safety hazards for tenants.

3. Disconnecting Utilities

Disconnecting essential utilities or services like water, electricity, or heating despite having a valid cause to do so violates a tenant's rights to a habitable dwelling. Depending on the location and weather, this can also be dangerous for the inhabitants.

4. Using Threats or Intimidation

Using threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse to coerce the tenant into leaving is also considered landlord harassment. Employing aggressive methods to coerce tenants into complying or vacating the property, including verbal or written threats of eviction, harm, or other negative consequences, creates a hostile environment. This type of behavior aims to intimidate tenants and can cause emotional distress.

5. Increasing Rent or Withholding Security Deposits

It is illegal for landlords to raise rent above what is allowed by rent control regulations or other laws. This varies by state and/or municipality, and some states not only do not have rent control laws in place but have even prohibited or set certain qualifications to limit rent control. Since this varies widely, be sure to verify the regulations in your area of residence. Withholding a security deposit without reason or making false claims about damages in order to keep the deposit is also a form of landlord harassment.

6. Attempting to Evict Without Cause

When a landlord attempts to initiate eviction without proper legal grounds or without following the proper legal process, it neglects the tenant's rights and lease terms. This also creates undue stress and apprehension and could possibly leave the tenant homeless if the eviction is successful. Such attempts often involve improper notices and a lack of justifiable grounds for eviction.

7. Causing Petty Inconveniences

Another common example of landlord harassment is continually causing petty inconveniences in an attempt to make tenants feel less comfortable. Some examples are draining a pool, removing laundry facilities, or canceling cable or other non-essential services. 

How to Stop Landlord Harassment

1. Know Your Rights and Document Everything
2. Communicate and Report the Harassment
3. Contact the Landlord Hotline
4. Break Your Lease Due to a Hostile Environment
5. Remember That Retaliation is Illegal 

1. Know Your Rights and Document Everything

• Familiarize yourself with tenant protection laws in your jurisdiction. Many places have laws that prohibit landlord harassment and ensure your right to a habitable living environment.

• Check your lease agreement for any clauses related to early termination, harassment, or landlord responsibilities. This will give you an idea of the terms and conditions you agreed to.

• Keep records of all instances of harassment, including dates, times, descriptions, and any communication (emails, texts, letters) related to the harassment.

2. Communicate and Report the Harassment

• Politely but firmly communicate your concerns to the landlord in writing. State that you expect the harassing actions to cease.  

• If the harassment continues, report the situation to local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups. They can provide guidance on your legal options and how to proceed.

• From there, consider consulting a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant law. They can offer advice tailored to your situation and help you understand your legal rights and potential remedies. 

3. Contact the Landlord Hotline 

• If you think you are a victim of landlord harassment, you can contact the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line at (800) MULTI-70 (800) 685-8470) / TTY (800) 432-2209. 

• You may want to start at the state level and report the harassment to the proper office or division that handles these types of cases in your area since laws can vary by state or municipality. 

4. Break Your Lease Due to a Hostile Environment 

• If the harassment persists, especially if you feel your safety or well-being is at risk, breaking the lease might be an option.

• Document the harassment, report it to the proper authorities, and consult with your attorney before taking this step so you have proof these measures are necessary.

5. Remember That Retaliation is Illegal 

• Taking adverse actions against a tenant, including eviction or an attempt for eviction, in response to the tenant exercising their legal rights, such as reporting harassment, health code violations, or discriminatory actions to a housing provider or other authority, is illegal in almost every US state. A tenant must prove these actions were done in retaliation.

Landlord Harassment Bottom Line 

Any type of harassment is cause for emotional distress. Harassment in your home, which is meant to be a place of peace and respite, can be especially tormenting. Everyone has a right to an environment free from harassment. Often, victims of harassment blame themselves or wonder what they could have done differently to avoid this type of situation, but if you are being harassed by your landlord, it is not your fault.

Remember that laws and procedures can vary greatly based on your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the harassment. It's important to seek advice from professionals familiar with the laws in your area. Harassment can take other forms besides the examples mentioned above. Using pervasive, offensive language that is discriminatory or sexual in nature would also be considered harassing behavior. Always prioritize your safety and well-being throughout this process. Follow the steps outlined above and lean on friends and family to get through this difficult situation.

Landlord Harassment FAQs  

1. Can I sue my landlord for harassment?

Yes, you can potentially sue your landlord for harassment if they are engaging in actions that violate your rights as a tenant. Landlord harassment can encompass a range of behaviors, such as neglecting repairs, unannounced entries, threats, intimidation, and more. However, the ability to sue your landlord for harassment will depend on the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

2. How do I report landlord harassment?

Reporting landlord harassment typically involves reviewing your rights and lease paperwork, documenting everything, and contacting the proper authorities or hotline to make a report. You will likely want to consult an attorney who is familiar with your area's housing laws.

3. How do I know if my landlord is truly harassing me or just being a nuisance?

If you have to question whether or not their actions constitute harassment, they likely are. If the actions don't meet any of the criteria discussed in this article, but you still believe they could be considered harassment, contact a local attorney. Many attorneys will provide free consultations.