What to do if my landlord’s lies are keeping me from finding a new rental?

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What to do if my landlord’s lies are keeping me from finding a new rental?

I am trying to move out of a house that I rent month-to-month. I have found a townhouse that I would like to move in to. The realtor/broker that I am working with called my landlord to see if I pay on time. The Realtor told me that my landlord told him that I am always late and my children damaged the house. I always pay my rent on time, have copies of my checks as proof, and never had an issue with damages. What can I do? I gave him a 30 day notice.

Asked on December 28, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Florida

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If someone makes untrue factual statements about you, which statements damage your reputation and/or make others not want to do business with you, that person is defaming you and you may be able sue him--both for monetary compensation and for a court order directing him to stop doing this. From what you write, the landord may be making such negative untrue factual assertions about you--for example, you say that he has claimed you were late on rent, but that you can prove you were not. You may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney to see if you should bring a defamation action.


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