Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Kentucky
Landlord-tenant issue: WHat can I do about my landlady?
I have been living next door to my landlady for about two years now. I pay my rent on time, I'm quiet, and I am a good tenant. Before I moved in, she promised to stay out of my business, and ''not bother'' us. This has proven to be a lie. She is constantly in my yard, checking up on who visits me by walking up my driveway, coming into my fenced yard to pull weeds, and there have been occasions when either she or her live-in boyfriend have been in my house when I was not home. Her behavior is very intrusive, and despite my warnings whe continues it to this day. Our current dispute revolves around our dog. When we moved in, we had two dogs, and they would fight if we let them run in the yard. I tied one up at her request. The other dog died, and now I leave the other free in the fenced yard. She has, over the past several weeks, been ordering my children, when I'm not present, to tie up the dog because he 'scares' people when they walk by on the street. Again, my yard is fenced. When my daughters come in to tell me, I go outside and she is gone. She has demonstrated that she cannot understand the simplest explanations, so what do I do? We're looking for another house, but what else can we do?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Landlord-tenant issue: WHat can I do about my landlady?
Your question is fact deprived despite your best efforts. That's not your fault. Your question suggests that both criminal and civil violations of your rights have occurred. For example an unlawful entry into your residence by anyone is a crime. If it is an entry with the intent to committ a crime it is a Class D felony (1 to 5 years). Any crime. I express no opinion as to whether this landlady has in fact committed a crime because some necessary facts are missing.
What you should do is hire local counsel. If you cannot afford counsel you should call the local legal services corporation in your community for low or no cost representation as a tenant.
If you insist on proceeding without a lawyer you should at least attempt to educate yourself as to the rules that apply to your situation. A copy of KRS Chapter 383 pertaining to some of the rights of landlords and tenants can be obtained at the Kentucky Legislature's web site. You may get there by first going to Kentucky Direct then to the legislature's page.
I would strongly advise you against doing anything at all without a lawyer's help. Crimes committed against you should be reported to the police or to the local County Attorney.
I hope this helps. I know it isn't much. But you did not have to pay much for it. Have a nice day.
Jer
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