Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri
Landlord pressuring for personal favors
My 2 boys and I have been living in a duplex for over 2 years. 3 weeks ago my landlord moved his R.V. onto the other side of the driveway. A short list of issues: he has repeatedly requested either by calling or by banging on the door I go to the store and purchase beer or food for him sometimes as last as 11 p.m.; illegally hooked up his cable to my cable box damaging the splitter and my cable wire in the process; I once did his laundry for him by his request, he never paid me but he continues to leave dirty laundry on my doorstep; dumped raw sewage from his r.v. onto the driveway; destoyed my personal propery..my sons had a play set in the backyard he took it down and threw all the materials away; requested that I park on the street so he can use my driveway and my garage to store items. He was angry and sharp with me yesterday because I do not have phone service. He had requested that I allow him to plug his fax machine into my phone line. Before I knew he had cut my cable wire to plug in his own stuff he was angry that I do not have HBO.
I do not want to move. I have had no problems here. When I spoke with him today about throwing away my things he began complaining about me personally. I'm at a loss on what to do.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Landlord pressuring for personal favors
The landlord is engaging in "constructive eviction" in that he is making your life miserable. He is also engaging in theft of cable services. If he gets caught, he'll get a misdemeanor conviction out of it.
The Fair Housing Act provides certain protections. I think you can legitimately file a Fair Housing Complaint in this regard with HUD. I would also suggest finding a new place to live, even if you like the neighborhood. This man will continue to do this to you.
You might also seek an order of protection under the stalking statute and you could also report him to the cable company. Both might wind up getting you evicted in the long run (the landlord doesn't have to renew your lease), but again, you probably should find a new place anyway.
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