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Some landlords want their tenants to pay rent come hell or high water. Instead of showing empathy, these jerk landlords are demanding that people use their savings and stimulus checks to pay rent or even move out during the coronavirus pandemic. A few have even resorted to threats despite tenants losing their jobs, their income, or having nowhere else to go. A staggering 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment this past month and the situation might get worse.

To show you just how bad things can get, Bored Panda has collected some of the most horrifying stories about nightmare landlords. Scroll down and let us know in the comments what your landlords are like during the pandemic, dear Pandas.

Bored Panda talked about the dynamic between landlords and tenants during the pandemic with Joshua Browder, the CEO of DoNotPay—the world’s first robot lawyer. Read on for our interview with Josh and for some handy advice on what to do if your landlord is pressuring you.

#2

Sure. Let’s Punish The Kids For Trying To Have Fun During Quarantine. That’ll Show ‘Em

Sure. Let’s Punish The Kids For Trying To Have Fun During Quarantine. That’ll Show ‘Em

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#3

Apparently Landlords Aren’t Above The Law

Apparently Landlords Aren’t Above The Law

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Aunt Messy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Landlords are allowed to use peoples' SSNs to do credit checks, but they are not permitted to keep those numbers on file or use them for anything else. In Canada, it's illegal for them to even ask.

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Random Panda
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See, that's why Europeans have a secondary PIN that you need to check this kind of financial information, which no one else would need to know for any reason. What the landlord did is illegal, but it shouldn't be this easy to check someone's finances.

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Peter Signorini
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Here in Australia credit checking can only be done by financial institutions, and no-one gets the ability to verify ANY personal social welfare payments.

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deanna woods
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am an American and I am appalled that the U.S. doesn't have laws in place to stop landlords from being able to do this.

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Tracey Hirt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since the landlord used people's social security numbers to log into the IRS website, he is guilty of multiple counts of identity theft. I'm glad the tenant turned him into the police.

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Cynthia Rivera
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s messed up as hell, people like that never seize to amaze me. He shouldn’t be able to access information like that, that’s a private matter first of all and definitely ain’t no landlord’s business

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Bored Silly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow this is so illegal. Not cool at all. I am sitting here in absolute shock.

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Kay Nuehark
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

call the law, or an attorney. Do SOMETHING. HOW did he DO that?

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Jim Kang
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Easy. He had the tenants ssn number file for the lease agreement. That's legal. The illegal part comes in when he used said numbers without permission. He actually broke several laws, as far as I can tell. He misrepresented his identity. Fraudulent use of someone else's ssn. I'm sure there are more. Big money payout, maybe jail time. He's an idiot, no doubt.

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Missy Barton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They've already reported it to the IRS and other authorities. It's all over Twitter. This guy's getting the p**s sued out of him.

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chickiethehen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people are just sad these days... the way they ARE acting

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Katie Bell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's sad is that I ALMOST got thrown out as my employer at Poundland gave me the money that came out of the register I work at .......... My register was broken so I had not got payed but fortunately my landlord saw the problem and let me stay.

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Linda Watt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the landlord that's going around asking the women's that have sexual activity with him for rent is disgusting that is low down and discussed it

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Linda Watt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These landlords need to go to jail they need to go to jail. Point Blank they need to go to jail they breaking all laws it says no eviction no late fees no water shut off no electric shut off for 60 days 90 days or 6 months what are you people doing these landlords all of them need to go to jail it's a program for y'all to get your money back so the tennis that wasn't able to pay you guys can get that money back you don't have to be even like Donald Trump

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Lisa Murray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I have a problem with rent portals, but I did pay all of my bills ontime during covid.

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Victoria Swift
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Liars. I just checked mine today. You need to know what your income was listed on your last tax return filed down to the penny. No landlord has this info. They may have a ballpark, but not the exact amount.

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Lazy Farmer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like America needs a 'yelp' for landlords. 'One star, s*itty landlord, 100% would not recommend. Brenda.'

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Georgina Penalosa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sue his a*s! He admitted to it. It says on the 1st page before you log in "Unauthorized use of this system is prohibited and subject to criminal and civil penalties."

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M Adams
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Johnny Table
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell him he should be checking on his wife. She was over here all night

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CJ Ande
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don' t think anyone can check this online. Both parties seem dumb and no one should be going to jail, that suggestion is ridiculous.

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Moriarty2
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IRS has a portion of the website dedicated to looking at the status of your refund. It's the "Get my payment" section of the site.

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“Landlords are straining their relationship because they are desperate. Across the world, there are laws in place that prevent evictions and allow tenants to get an extension on their rent. DoNotPay.com helps tenants get these extensions. As a result, landlords are using extraordinary tactics, including even checking a tenant's tax refund with the IRS, to get a payment,” Josh explained what the current situation is like in the US.

We were interested to know what tenants should do if they feel pressured by their landlords to pay up during quarantine (or else…).

“Ignore the pressure,” Josh advised. “There is nothing the landlord can do and they are best by not responding. If the landlord keeps messaging or visiting the tenant, then they should document these actions and may even have the basis for a harassment claim.”

#4

Trashy Landlord

Trashy Landlord

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During the end of the day...which country has such legislation? Would be "in three month" over here, unless there was a severe breach of contract.

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#5

I'm Glad We're Moving, Glad We're Not Giving A Man Like That Any More Money

I'm Glad We're Moving, Glad We're Not Giving A Man Like That Any More Money

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#6

I Hate My Landlords. Right Now, In The Middle Of A Pandemic, They Happen To Decide It's Time To Raise Our Rent. Absolutely Unbelievable

I Hate My Landlords. Right Now, In The Middle Of A Pandemic, They Happen To Decide It's Time To Raise Our Rent. Absolutely Unbelievable

03/17/2020 
BRISTOL ***** APARTMENTS
Dear ****** and all others, 
At Bristol, white it is not our policy to automatically raise rates on current residents every year, we unfortunately are forced to examine current income with rising expenses in order to maintain the same exceptional level of service that includes maintenance, adequate staffing and improvements to your community. While, rent increases are truly our least favorite part of this business, various voter and state/city approved measures and bills have increased the cost of housing. Some of those include the following: 
-Clean Energy Sales Tax on consumers
-City of Portland Annual $60 per Apartment Registration Tax on renters
-Additional Administration Burden of City of Portland Screening Criteria Mandate
-Additional Administration Burden of City of Portland Security Deposit Mandate
-SB 608- Statewide Rent Control capping the amount and frequency to adjust income regardless of actual expenses 
Considering these initiatives and examining your current rental rate, we have made the difficult decision to increase your rent and pass on the cost. We urge you to ask our elected officials to put an end to raising the cost of housing during an unprecedented housing crisis.

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Elis Malachov
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

um, THAT IS ILLEGAL. As far as I know, it is illegal raise rent just like this. It needs to be in advance and specify date from which it is needed to pay the raised rent otherwise it is illegal and you have no obligation to heed notice like this.

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However, is there going to be a new dynamic between landlords and tenants after the pandemic is over and things go back to normal? Josh thinks so.

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“Over the past two years, landlords have had the upper hand. They have treated tenants as disposable customers that they could charge incredibly high prices. In the future, not only will landlords be much more reasonable about prices, but also focus on retaining tenants by treating them with much more respect and leniency,” Josh thinks.

“For example, in the past, if a tenant was late, a landlord would almost certainly slap on a late fee. In the future, they might make an allowance, if only to keep the tenant for the longer term,” he added.

#7

My Late Fees Are $100 Late Fee Plus $10 A Day Until Its Paid In Full. And My Landlord Wants To Mafia Style Bully People. Guess We Had A Nice Run Since Both The Husband And I Both Work In The Resturaunt Industry

My Late Fees Are $100 Late Fee Plus $10 A Day Until Its Paid In Full. And My Landlord Wants To Mafia Style Bully People. Guess We Had A Nice Run Since Both The Husband And I Both Work In The Resturaunt Industry

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Dilly Millandry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Evictions are on hold in the UK - landlords are not allowed to do it. I have a landlord I work for doing some odd things and I keep having to quote the new laws to her. Tenants are allowed to stay in situ for the time being on a rolling monthly contract. Even house buyers have been told to stay put unless there really is no alternative.

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#8

Nope, This Wasn't An April Fool's Joke. Landlord's Still Charging Late Fees, Spelled The County Name And Several Other Words Wrong, And Is Even Asking For People To Pay Rent In Advance To "Save Money"

Nope, This Wasn't An April Fool's Joke. Landlord's Still Charging Late Fees, Spelled The County Name And Several Other Words Wrong, And Is Even Asking For People To Pay Rent In Advance To "Save Money"

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can such late charges be legal? How much you pay if you are late is clearly regulated over here...for good!

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#9

A Landlord Figures They Will Have To Evict Their Tenants "Like Cockroaches" During The Quarantine-Related Eviction Moratorium

A Landlord Figures They Will Have To Evict Their Tenants "Like Cockroaches" During The Quarantine-Related Eviction Moratorium

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Charlotte Dupre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the are destroying the appartment, they should be evicted. This has nothing to do with the crisis

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#10

Greedy Landlords

Greedy Landlords

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Carol Emory
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd fire back with..."You have a legal decree from the federal government making it illegal to evict people during this pandemic."

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#11

Landlords From Hell

Landlords From Hell

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#12

Friggin Vile

Friggin Vile

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Dilly Millandry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, they were clearly disgusting people before Covid 19 - now they're showing themselves more clearly and breaking the law while doing it. Hopefully they'll be reported and prosecuted.

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#13

I've Been Hearing So Many Inspiring Rent Deferment Stories During This Global Crisis. Found This On My Apartment Door The Other Day

I've Been Hearing So Many Inspiring Rent Deferment Stories During This Global Crisis. Found This On My Apartment Door The Other Day

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#14

We Didn’t Mean To Tell You That You’ll Be Evicted If You Can’t Pay Your Rent Due To Covid-19 Job Losses

We Didn’t Mean To Tell You That You’ll Be Evicted If You Can’t Pay Your Rent Due To Covid-19 Job Losses

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#15

Increasing Rent While You Can't Move Out

Increasing Rent While You Can't Move Out

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#16

The Following Letter Has Went Out To Residents Of Hyman Properties

The Following Letter Has Went Out To Residents Of Hyman Properties

Property Manager Nat Hyman Report

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K.
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, cable service, internet, and other utilities are not offensive non-essential services. They are keeping people sane and connected through this time. Keeping people healthy and sheltered as much as possible during this time is essential to hit the ground running once this pandemic is over. A*****e landlords contribute to the demise of the broken human spirit arising from this pandemic, use their last months rent to cover. Granted there are awful tenants that destroy property and security deposits and last months rent barely covers the cost to clean and fix, but that’s another post. You need basic shelter to accomplish your best and give back to society and each other. Don’t add to our stress, don’t add to our misery, don’t take away something basic that impugns on our integrity.

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#17

Can't Pay Your Rent Because Of An Epidemic You Cannot Control? That's Your Problem

Can't Pay Your Rent Because Of An Epidemic You Cannot Control? That's Your Problem

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DforDorothy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope him and the people like him will not get any help either,when they will be in need!

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#18

Letter To Tenants

Letter To Tenants

Dear Tenants, 
This property is under tenant access ONLY. If you continue to have guests come onto this property, you will be given a notice to vacate. No guests are permitted to hang out, stay or wonder the property. The only access being permitted will be tenants on file in the office. ALL OTHER GUESTS MUST LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
Another note: If you think that you don't have to pay rent, because of the pandemic, you are mistaken. We still must pay the bills to keep your apartment over your head. Anyone receiving disability or social security have no excuse to fail short on paying their rent. However, some of you believe we cannot file eviction for nonpayment of rent. This is not true. President Donald Trump has ONLY delayed housing evictions and foreclosures due to nonpayment for HUD housing and Section 8. As you are aware, we do not operate with HUD or Section 8, so you must pay your rent. 
To the tenants that have been affected by the virus, please keep watch In the laundry room for postings for jobs and or assistance for rent. 
If You would like to discuss with us how any of this, or the spread of the virus is our fault, please come see us in the office. 
Laundry room will be closed if it is not kept clean. You must wear gloves and a mask if you want to be in the laundry facilities. If it is not kept clean, it will also shut down. Please keep track of your times to allow every tenant a vacant slot to do laundry.


If you can not abide by these rules set forth, you may want to vacate the apartment, now. We are here for the safety and well-being of all of our residents on this property and we are slowing the spread of the virus by limiting access and implementing new rules. 
In the case that you need someone to bring you something; they are to bring it, drop it off and leave. 


Property managers

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Phil Boswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The authors of this letter have been fired: https://www.bradenton.com/news/coronavirus/article241587651.html

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#19

This Ultra Caring Letter From A Landlord

This Ultra Caring Letter From A Landlord

NOTICE TO ALL TENANTS: 
I want to remind all of the tenants that there is no ban on evictions in Clay County. Rent is due on the 1st of the month and must be in my hands by the 5th of the month or postmarked by the 5th of the month. If postmarked after the 5th of the month, there will be a $100.00 late charge which must be included with that month's rent. If not received in full by the 8th I will be filing rent and possession papers in the Circuit Court. If you are short on money this month because of working shorter hours, then get or borrow money from your friends or relatives. I am not your family or your banker. Remember, if you take it to the post office in the late afternoon of the 5th, it probably won't get postmarked until the 6th, thus incurring a $100.00 late fee. 

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Carol Emory
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good luck filing that court paperwork. The courts are closed...

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#20

A Typical Landlord's Response To The Coronavirus Epidemic

A Typical Landlord's Response To The Coronavirus Epidemic

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#21

How To Be A Crappy Landlord

How To Be A Crappy Landlord

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R L
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given the tone of the rest the letters on here, I thought this one was polite and reasonable. The increase is rough though.

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#23

Texts Like This From My Landlord. What Are You Going To Do? Evict Me For Finding A Way To Entertain Myself Why Stuck At Home During A Pandemic?

Texts Like This From My Landlord. What Are You Going To Do? Evict Me For Finding A Way To Entertain Myself Why Stuck At Home During A Pandemic?

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#24

Remember

Remember

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K.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What in seven levels of hell is that? Are we supposed to be more grateful or accepting that you hid your intentions or tacked it onto the end?

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#25

This Was Left On My Door Without A Knock Or A Phone Call

This Was Left On My Door Without A Knock Or A Phone Call

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