Is my landlord breaking the law?

[Trevor Schmidt]

I'm renting out a 3 bedroom house with two other individuals. Rent is reasonable with all utilities included. My landlord lives next door in a separate house. He comes over whenever he wants unexpected, has a bunch of his belongings in the rental houses garage and in the attic, has told us we can't have anything in the garage or attic because it isn't fair to anyone else. Today, I get home and he texts me that I can't keep my fans on in my room unless I want to pay for the electric bill but all utilities are included. Is this legal? I feel an invasion of my privacy. He also has two other studio like buildings in the backyard that aren't on structured ground which I know is illegal. The 3 of us that live in the house, if we don't mow the lawn when he wants, or if we don't clean the house when he wants he charges us with a $50 fee. Is that legal? He's literally in control of the whole house and if we say anything he says he doesn't care because he's the owner of the house, although he's renting it to us? Please, any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Trevor Schmidt 

[Ryan Detig]

@Trevor Schmidt  Did you guys sign a lease?  All of the things the you are talking about should be in a lease (for this exact reason).  Look what your lease says about these items.  I am not familiar with Oregon Landlord laws but from what it sounds like you are getting taken advantage of.  I would reach out on bigger pockets for a local Real Estate Lawyer, spend the money for an hour of his time and explain your situation.  If the landlord is really bothering all you guys you could even split the cost three ways and all three go meet with the lawyer.  I would figure out what your end goal will be as a group before you meet with the lawyer.  If all three of you want to leave then steer the conversation with the lawyer that direction and ask him what documentation is needed so that you can safely break your lease without worrying about being evicted.  You have to think of this as a game.  Don't take it personally and don't get upset.  Documentation is your friend.  take photos of all of the landlords stuff and start communicating with him/her in email.  If you never signed a lease or have any type of written agreement then go find another place to live.  You might even see if the lawyer is willing to write a strongly worded letter to the landlord on your behalf.    Remember, NOT PERSONAL and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.