Landlord Hasan "Jim" Syed rip-off unsecure premises and hidden tenant costs with trespassing theft false promises Chicago Illinois
Firstly, I was told well after the fact--3 months into my lease--that my heat was not included, when I had specifically asked this question 3 times before signing the lease. Also, I was told I could bring in my own washer and dryer and that the building's worker's would install it for free, since my apt. did not have a washer and dryer. Then a week later, I was told I had to pay $75 to the landlord for this hook-up-- basically a connection of the hoses, which I could have done myself.
Worst of all, my apt. was repeatedly entered when I was not home-- not a break-in, but someone with a key. This person, or persons, used my apt like a motel-- watching DVDs, using the toilet, and going through my personal property. I would find evidence like lights left on, things moved, etc. My landlord refused to believe me, and I filed a police report. My landlord informed me that he would not bear the expense of changing my lock, so I had to go out and purchase the new lock myself and give him a copy of the key. I was then informed I could not deduct the cost from my rent.
I also had itrems stolen from my back porch area on 2 occasions, which got no reaction from the landlord. In addition, items in my basement storage area were repeatedly vandalized.
I do NOT recommend this building or this landlord. He is at best ineffective and lazy, and at worst a rip-off artist who takes advantage of his tenants and provides unsecure premises all while nickel-and-diming them to death. Stay far away if you care about where you live.
Victimized tenant
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Anon
Miami,Florida,
U.S.A.
landlords cannot enter your unit as they please
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, February 21, 2003
If you wanted to break your lease, you would have grounds due to the entering of your apartment without advance notice.
A landlord (or his agent like a repair man) can enter in the case of an emergency, such as suspected roof leak, fire, electrical problem, tenant in peril, etc. They cannot just wander over and enter your unit when they feel like it, and if they are entering for a routine matter or to show the unit, they are required to give "adequate notice". That is a vague phrase, but under the law it generally means a minimum of 24 hours. If they call you and ask if they can enter sooner than that and you agree, that is okay, too.
It may not even be the landlord entering, it may be someone who has access to the keys. Ask to know what kind of security there is on the key box for your apartment building. Ask how often locks are changed.
When you have you locks changed, give the landlord a copy of the key in a sealed envelope with your signature over the seal, and then tape it. If you then suspect an unauthorized entry, you can ask to see the envelope.
The heating issue and the washer/dryer hookup are either covered in your lease or should be outlined in some written agreement--could go either way in court if it isn't.
He sounds like a crummy landlord who is taking too many liberties. Research your rights on the tenant/landlord sections of www.nolo.com.
Good luck!