One common element is lack of proper maintenance. Like landlords not fixing broken appliances or plumbing issues. Another is invasion of privacy, such as entering the rental property without notice. And unfair rent increases also feature often, where landlords raise the rent without valid justification.
Common elements often include landlords being unresponsive. For instance, when tenants report issues, the landlord simply ignores them. Bad communication is also a big part. Some landlords are very difficult to reach or don't communicate clearly about important matters such as lease renewals or changes in terms. And then there is the issue of illegal eviction attempts. Landlords may try to force tenants out without proper legal procedures just because they can get more money from new tenants.
Unfair fees are also common. Landlords might try to squeeze extra money out of tenants for things that are not their responsibility. And there are also cases where landlords are extremely unresponsive to tenant requests. Tenants might have a legitimate problem, like a broken window that needs fixing, and the landlord just doesn't care and takes forever to do anything about it. This can make the living situation really difficult for the tenant. In some cases, it can even be dangerous, like if the broken window is a security risk.
Another horror story is property damage. Some Section 8 tenants may not take good care of the property. For example, they might have wild parties and break things, or let their kids draw on the walls. It can be costly for landlords to repair all the damages.
A common horror story is landlords withholding security deposits for no good reason. They might claim false damages just to keep the money.
One common element is good property maintenance. Landlords who keep their properties in good shape tend to attract better tenants. Another is smart tenant selection, like choosing reliable and long - term renters. Also, good communication with tenants is key. If landlords can quickly respond to tenants' concerns, it leads to tenant satisfaction.
Another common one is when landlords use false accusations to evict tenants. They might claim the tenant has damaged the property when it's not true. I heard of a case where a landlord said a tenant had painted the walls without permission when in fact the walls were in the same state as when the tenant moved in. The tenant had to fight in court to prove their innocence.
I heard of a landlord who charged extra fees for the most ridiculous things. A tenant had a small plant on the balcony, and the landlord claimed it was 'decorative damage' and added a huge amount to the rent. It was like a nightmare for the tenant, constantly worried about what new charge would come up next.
In many scary landlord stories, the landlord's over - controlling behavior stands out. They might restrict the tenants' normal use of the property, for example, not allowing them to have guests. Also, landlords who don't respect the lease terms are common. They break the agreed - upon rules regarding things like the length of the lease or the deposit amount. This can cause a great deal of stress for the tenants.
Accidental misunderstandings can be a big part of funny landlord stories. Say a tenant asks for a new lock and the landlord thinks they mean a different kind of 'lock' like a hair lock. So he shows up with a bunch of wigs. Also, the landlord's idiosyncrasies. If a landlord has a strange hobby like collecting old doorknobs and insists on showing them to every new tenant, it can lead to some really funny situations. It makes the landlord seem like a character out of a sitcom.
There are landlords who suddenly increase the rent by a huge amount without proper notice. For example, a tenant might be paying a reasonable amount one month, and then the next month the landlord demands double the rent with no valid reason like improvements to the property. This leaves the tenant in a difficult situation, either having to pay an unaffordable amount or look for a new place to live in a hurry.