Is it normal to take belongings in lieu of rent?

56% Normal
11 Comments

A girl moved into our share house and she was a moody, selfish, entitled monster from the get-go, making everyone's life hell. She even expected me to change her tyre. She'd take one hour showers, leaving the floor all wet. Another housemate slipped and fell. When the other housemates flipped their lids, I offered up my ensuite bathroom just to keep the peace. She then said that "I disrespected her" and stopped paying rent in advance of moving out. The bond is not enough to cover the 21 days rent owed according to the contract she signed. She owes me about $300. While she was at work I removed some of her belongings and said, "Pay rent and you can have them back". Is what I did normal or did I overstep the mark?

Voting Results
56% Normal
Based on 16 votes (9 yes)
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Comments ( 11 )
  • funkedup
    10 years ago

    In a residential setting what you're doing is not normal.

    Commercial landlords can seize property under the legal doctrine of "distress," but residential landlords cannot do this. Most states/provinces have special legislation that deals with residential tenancies that must be strictly adhered to. If you have a "house share" (which I assume means you own the home and rent rooms to people) you can probably evict her on very short notice. Kick her out and keep the bond/deposit...and give her all of her shit back post haste...

    Do not go to small claims court, I assume you wrote the contract she signed, so the judge will have to interpret the contract in her best interest, and you may lose out the bond money as well for improperly seizing her personal property.

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    Morally I feel you're correct but legally you might get arrested for stealing her things.

    Yes what you've done is stealing and you could be arrested.

    If you ring up a credit card bill and don't pay it (ontime) they can't come to your house and take your shit then tell you 'Pay us the money and you'll get your stuff back.'

    Don't discuss this with her on the phone because she may be recording you then you're really fucked.

    When you have disputes like this you're supposed to file suit in a small claims court and as you've written it's probably not worth the money since it's only $300.00 she owes you.

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    Should be more careful of slippery surfaces.

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  • thegypsysailor
    10 years ago

    Make the bitch PAY UP!

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  • peterr
    10 years ago

    I kept a guys stuff because he didn't pay his rent. What else can you do?

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  • RoseIsabella
    10 years ago

    What's a share house?

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  • Avant-Garde
    10 years ago

    Share house? I don't think what she's doing is legal. Hire a lawyer and sue her if she continues to refuse to pay.

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    • Terence_the_viking
      10 years ago

      I reckon it will cost more to hire a lawyer than $300.

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      • Avant-Garde
        10 years ago

        You do have a point. Now depending where they live, there might be a affordable law service somewhere or they can group their money together.

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        • Terence_the_viking
          10 years ago

          hehe they will probably charge $300 for the first consultation

          money grubbing slags that they are.

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  • peterr
    10 years ago

    Ass, grass or cash...nobody rides for free!

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