Challenges dealing with a difficult landlord

By Mark DaCosta- Shelter is a basic human need. Owing to this fact, many Guyanese spend much time and large parts of their incomes to meet that need. Unfortunately, too, many people do not, or cannot afford their own homes, and they have no choice – they must rent a house, or more frequently, a room or apartment.

Almost everyone who has rented a living space has had difficulty with a landlord – some renters even have chilling horror stories. And while it may be impossible to completely avoid all problems with landlords – who can often be difficult or even walking-nightmares – it may be possible to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of an unscrupulous or heartless landlord.

First, though, Guyanese must bear two facts in mind:

1. While it is clear that renting a place to live involves a business relationship, it may be less obvious that you, the tenant, will also have a “personal” relationship with the landlord. That is, there will be interactions between your personality and the landlord’s peculiarities. That fact could be a problem in many cases.

2. If you are a tenant in Guyana, you may have few legal avenues if things go bad. This unfortunate fact is the result of the power difference between the tenant and the landlord because the landlord can put you out. Also, a landlord is likely to have money to bribe officials, and in corrupt Guyana, money talks.

The first step in steering clear of trouble is to avoid getting into a difficult situation in the first place. Experts say that you should avoid renting a place if the following red flags are noticed:

1. Missing in action – if you cannot locate the landlord of an advertised vacant space.

2. Dishonest advertising – if the space looks different from the advertisement.

3. No attention given to common areas – if areas such as hallways are dirty or in disrepair.

4. Rental unit is in disrepair or seems neglected.

5. If it’s Too Good to Be True – it probably is.

6. Poor tenant and online reviews.

7. Shady or nonexistent contracts or lease agreements

8. Legal violations such as no fire extinguisher, old electrical fixtures, cameras in inappropriate areas, other safety concerns.

9. If you have that Nagging Feeling that something is wrong – pay attention to that feeling.

If you decide to rent the place, it is recommended that you read the lease agreement carefully before signing it. And do the following:

1. Photograph the space before moving in.

2. Keep all documents and receipts.

3. Keep notes of any conversations with the landlord. Also communicate in writing if possible and save all texts and emails.

4. Pay your rent on time. If you have any difficulty doing that, tell the landlord; don’t avoid it.

5. Keep up your part of the deal by keeping the place clean and so on.

If you encounter difficulty such as faulty plumbing, crumbling tiles, etc, take photographs and report it to the landlord. If the landlord is giving you a hard time, you may want revenge – you may feel like lashing out. Be careful about that, especially if you have nowhere to go.

Remember if a landlord wants to put you out, they can ALWAYS find a reason. And if you have nowhere to go, you may become homeless.

In any case, if the situation is very bad and you believe that you need legal advice, you should contact a lawyer.

In Guyana, if you cannot afford to pay the full fee of a lawyer, you may get help from the Legal Aid Clinic where you may access legal help at a reduced cost, or even for free. The telephone number is 225-9238.