Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

landlord harassment

I am renting 2 levels of a 3 level house. An individual rents the lower level. He is supposed to pay 1/3 of the utilities but doesnt pay a dime. The landlord came by and told us we had to keep the thermostat set at 65 because the man downstairs is cold. I pay the entire gas bill and he isnt paying his part. The landlord is constantly calling as soon as they know I have been paid so they can get their rent and often pop in and out of the house witout calling first. Is this harassment and what can be done about it. Any help is appreciated. I had mentioned to them to tell the man downstairs to get a space heater if he is so cold but they tell us what to keep the heat at instead.


Asked on 12/19/07, 6:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: landlord harassment

The only realistic solution would appear to be for you to look for another rental unit where there is not the kind of shared space (and utilities which go with such space) which apparently is involved with your current rental unit. (And, no matter what you do or say, the landlord, as has been his wont, very likely will continue to call for the rent as soon as he thinks that you've been paid and "pop in and out of the house without caliing first" since in his mind he owns the house and therefore can do as he damn well pleases.)

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Answered on 12/21/07, 7:06 am


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