Parts of Los Angeles have recently been compared to filthy conditions in third world countries – infested with rats, disease, and even used drug needles. Exposure to such a compromised environment isn’t limited to those living on the streets. Many are actually paying rent to dwell in properties that are substandard.
If you are a victim of a rental nightmare, you’ll want to speak with an experienced Slumlord Litigation Lawyer Los Angeles who specializes in renter’s rights.
Slumlord Meaning
Greedy, neglectful, and absentee are all ways to define a slumlord. A slumlord runs a property or multiple properties that are basically slums.
Signs You Need a Los Angeles Slumlord Litigation Attorney
You may be unsure if the conditions surrounding your rental situation warrant hiring a Los Angeles Slumlord Litigation Attorney to bring a lawsuit against your landlord. The top indications that your landlord is a slumlord are:
- Appearance. The outside of the property is in disarray. From unsightly trash and debris on the grounds to the structure that is in need of paint and repairs, the property is an eye sore and is dangerous as well.
- Location. The building is located in a poor part of town. Slumlords typically choose properties in bad locations because they feel tenants are more desperate to rent a roof over their heads at any cost and that they won’t stand up for their renter’s rights.
- Lack of maintenance. A slumlord has no intention on keeping the property is proper condition – no matter how often a request is made and regardless of how many tenants inform him of the same problem. A slumlord’s goal is to get by with doing as little as possible so he or she can collect the rent without putting any time or money into the property. Broken doors and windows, lack of heat and air conditioning, non-functioning electrical, plumbing issues, and pest infestations are key signs your landlord is a slumlord.
- Evasive landlord. Slumlords don’t like to make themselves available to the needs of tenants. It is a common practice for slumlords to operated more than one property, making it even more difficult to get a hold of him or her to voice a complaint or to check on a work request that has already been turned in. Phone messages are rarely returned and written messages get no response either. Pinning down a slumlord is next to impossible. If rent is not paid on the due date, however, you can expect to hear about it. Slumlords operate on a “take, take” mentality.
- Community talk. On a slumlord property, you’ll hear stories about other tenants’ experiences. Many are likely to say the same thing such as that the air conditioning never works in the summer or thatthe landlord refuses to put a stop to loitering and drug activity on the premises. When you first moved in, you may not have put much faith in the community talk but as time goes on, you began to relate.
- Backlash. When you ask your landlord to repair something, does he or she get an attitude? It’s common for slumlords to respond negatively when asked to do something for a tenant. You may even be accused of doing something that caused the problem such as if you are requesting a stopped-up toilet to be fixed, you may be asked what you flushed down it. Some slumlords go so far as to become verbally or physically abusive when approached about an issue on the property.
If you are experiencing even one of the signs above, the best move you can make is to set up an appointment with a Los Angeles Slumlord Litigation Attorney who can walk you through the mess and defend your rights as a tenant.
How to Deal with a Slumlord
If you are being subjected to poor conditions in your rental situation, you have no choice other than to do something about it unless you want to continue to pay for substandard conditions that will never change.
Not paying your rent is not a good option. You can be evicted for failure to pay even though your landlord isn’t doing his or her part because you signed the lease and promised to pay.
Directly dealing with a slumlord is not recommended either. Doing so can be very dangerous. Rest assured slumlords cannot be reasoned with.
A Slumlord Lawyer LA is the only viable option you have when a slumlord is involved. A slum housing lawyer is educated and experienced in the legal ramifications surrounding slumlords and the properties they run.
Why Hire a Los Angeles Slumlord Attorney?
An experienced Los Angeles Slumlord Attorney knows the local laws and regulations of the LA area and can navigate your case to bring the most positive results possible. From filing the lawsuit to litigating in court, you’ll be able to count on your housing lawyer to tend to business without you having to stress any more than you already are. You are much more likely to maximize your claim, so you are compensated for the rent and other expenses you paid while living in slum conditions.
Slumlord Lawyer LA
If the signs are all there and you have determined your landlord is a slumlord, you will want a Los Angeles Slumlord Litigation Attorney who will fight for your tenant rights like the team at The Law Offices of Jacob Partiyeli. Call today – (310) 801-1919.
