Landlord MIA

[Michael Ring]

Hey guys,  

This is my first ever post and I've been learning a lot about REI here. Thanks to all the contributors who make this site such a great resource! I'm currently saving up to buy my first multi-unit property. In the meantime I'm renting a house with my wife. We've been in the home for 2 years, maintaining it and paying rent on time. We don't make a lot of requests and I try not to bother our landlord unless there is something that needs serious attention (like a sewage backup or something). Lately, whenever I reach out to the landlord, he doesn't answer his phone, or return my messages. I've called him about several issues that have popped up in the last few months with this turn of the century property. The front door seems to be sagging and won't lock correctly. The main water shutoff for the sprinkler system is in a garage that I don't have access to, and we went this whole summer without our sprinkler system because he ignored my request to have it turned on. Nothing major... but certainly inconvenient to me. He used to be really good about having things fixed promptly. I've texted and called... but ever since our lease expired and we've been month-to-month, he just ignores my attempts to contact him. But the rent check still get cashed. Do any landlords out there have any guesses as to what might be going on? Thanks in advance!

[Jennifer T.]

Originally posted by @Ned Carey:

You might want to look into if your state has "Rent Escrow" (may be called something different there). This is where the court holds your rent until things are fixed.

Just because the taxes are paid doe not  mean he is not letting it go to foreclosure. The bank would keep paying the taxes even though he is not paying them.

It could be he is ill or even passed away and someone else is depositing the checks for him.  

There is almost an infinite number of possibilities. Just be diligent in trying to contact him.

Since you now have the LL's address, send them a certified letter that outlines the problems you are having, attempts you have made to get in touch, and that you need to hear from them within 5 business days (or something like that).  If you are able to set up a "Rent Escrow" account with the courts in your area, I'd also let them know that will be your next step if you do not hear from them within the allocated timeframe.

I guarantee, if the rent check stops coming in, someone will be in touch with you.

Of course, the downside is, they can fix the problems...decide you are too much of a PITA (not saying you are)...and give you a 30-day notice, since you are month to month.