The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
What Is And Isn't Actionable Landlord Harassment?
Alexis Garcia
Do you think that your landlord is harassing you? If so, the good news is that you may have legal remedies to make it stop. But first, you need to know what constitutes legal harassment by a landlord and what doesn't. Here's a short guide.
What Is Landlord Harassment?
Harassment by a landlord can be many types of targeted efforts to make a tenant leave because the landlord wants them gone — usually for monetary gain. These actions often — but not always — violate your rights to private enjoyment of your home.
For instance, the landlord clearly violates your tenant rights if they enter your home without notice when there is no reasonable emergency, cause noise that disrupts quiet enjoyment, or deny you access to amenities included in your lease agreement. The landlord may also do things to attempt to blame you for violating the lease, such as refusing to accept rent or required notifications.
One of the most common — and most egregious — harassment methods is to deprive you of your right to a livable home. If the owner refuses to fix the roof or the hot water heater, or they won't update security when there is a clear threat, they violate the tenant's right to a habitable place to live. This is also, not coincidentally, one of the easiest cases to make for legal harassment.
The landlord doesn't have to clearly violate your rights or the lease in order to be harassing. They may penalize you for infractions while allowing other tenants leeway. They may have your car towed from a legal spot or 'accidentally' destroy or damage your possessions. Harassment could even come in the form of a threat to give you a bad recommendation for future rentals or even undue pressure to accept a buyout offer.
What Is Not Harassment?
One key part of pursing legal action for harassment is to recognize what is not included. If there is an emergency, your landlord may legally enter your unit. They may also raise rent in accord with the terms of your lease or with proper notice. They may also appropriately pursue eviction action if you fail to pay rent on time or violate the lease in some other, serious way. And the landlord can legally offer you an incentive to leave.
What Should You Do Next?
Because it can be either bold or nuanced, the best way to deal with harassment of any kind is to consult with an experienced landlord/tenant lawyer like Ferrecchia Law. Make an appointment now to learn how you can start improving your quality of life today.
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