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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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“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.

SpookyCat113 Report

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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

johnnyratface Report

#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

CharlotteCGill Report

#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.

rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather pay for the roof over my head than internet/cable. People can read books, do puzzles, crafts etc as an alternative. If they get kicked out they will have no where to stay and nothing to watch. It doesn't excuse the landlords, but people need to prioritise.

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

News reports says Nate Hyman..owner of the properties, publicly apologized for the letter,

kha_duong_1 avatar
K.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He needs to do more than cover his a*s, but thank you for letting us know there were actions against this awful behavior.

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

Why are mortgages, taxes and insurances still payable on time? In my country we have extensions on all of these.

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

https://www.wfmz.com/health/coronavirus/nat-hyman-apologizes-for-letter-threatening-evictions-in-allentown/article_5230bd2c-6d76-11ea-9061-cfa2e99efe96.html

kha_duong_1 avatar
K.
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He needs to do more. A real apology requires some change and/or genuine reflection and intentions to make amends. This man is covering up his own a*s. Thank you for updating us.

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

The cable companies own the boxes and wiring right ? How can a building do this.

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

I kind of agree with this. Kicking people out should not be allowed, but people should still be doing their best to pay their bills, and rent should definitely come before cable. The landlords have their own bills to pay.

pmnovack avatar
Kanga9ine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well damn. That Hyman Properties is one tough cherry to pop. And this sleazy introduction by landlords for rent. Pish Tosh. Mr landlord, you owe me another three months because you didn't live up to what you charge me now. Sex in exchange for rent. Nah. I'll go rob a bank before that would ever happen.

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

I would think it would be illegal for the landlord to disconnect cable. BTW, the kicker is the last sentence, "We hope that you and your families are safe and healthy." From the body of the letter, the landlord clearly doesn't care about tenants or their families.

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

Internet is a necessity now that children have to do school through zoom. Wth

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

Um usually cable is connected to internet service so that would suck if your kid was home doing online school? Essential 100%

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

Waahh waahh waaahh i am a baby and need adults to take care of me waaah.

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

I actually love this landlord's letter. I mean they will disconnect people's cable? That is hilarious. I mean I have never even had cable and pay my rent first and foremost but GEEEEZ. I really want to meet this landlord crew. Serious business people. Also, honestly, cable is dumb, just read a book, volunteer at a food bank, sew masks for a non profit and don't be that person sitting there watching cable

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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

MayonaiseRemover Report

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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

FadedPariah Report