Hey all, I need help with interpreting a clause in my condo rental contract. Got hit with a $500 fine for something, but there was no set amount listed in the rules and no warning before. The landlord says the condo board is demanding the fine and that I have to pay up and leave by the 15th… all for smoking in my unit. Rent is due on the 4th, so not sure what happens if I pay it or if I don’t. Anyone know if I have options here? Any advice is appreciated!
Yikes, that sounds rough. If there’s no set fine amount in the contract, maybe it’s worth asking for a written breakdown from the board? Might help if you want to challenge it.
Devon said:
Yikes, that sounds rough. If there’s no set fine amount in the contract, maybe it’s worth asking for a written breakdown from the board? Might help if you want to challenge it.
Good idea! I’m definitely going to ask for a breakdown. I feel like $500 is steep, especially with no warning.
Devon said:
Yikes, that sounds rough. If there’s no set fine amount in the contract, maybe it’s worth asking for a written breakdown from the board? Might help if you want to challenge it.
Yeah, $500 seems excessive without prior notice. You could try to appeal directly with the board if they’ll let you?
This sounds intense… Are they saying you’ll get evicted even if you pay the fine? That seems extreme.
Sloan said:
This sounds intense… Are they saying you’ll get evicted even if you pay the fine? That seems extreme.
Yeah, that’s the crazy part. I offered to pay the fine if they’d let me stay, but the landlord’s still pushing for me to leave. 
Sloan said:
This sounds intense… Are they saying you’ll get evicted even if you pay the fine? That seems extreme.
Wow, that’s harsh. If you pay rent for Feb, it might buy you a little time. At least until the end of the month?
Could they legally charge the fine if it’s not in writing? Also, do they have to give you more notice for eviction?
MysteryMaverick said:
Could they legally charge the fine if it’s not in writing? Also, do they have to give you more notice for eviction?
From what I know, they can give a 30-day notice, but she’s pushing for 10 days due to the smoking. Not sure if that’s enforceable though…
MysteryMaverick said:
Could they legally charge the fine if it’s not in writing? Also, do they have to give you more notice for eviction?
10 days seems quick, but if it’s in the lease about condo rules, they might argue it holds up. Still seems extreme for a first offense.
If you’ve been paying rent consistently, could you negotiate an extension? Like, offer to leave by the end of the month?
Lior said:
If you’ve been paying rent consistently, could you negotiate an extension? Like, offer to leave by the end of the month?
I was thinking about that too. I usually pay on time and was hoping she’d be more flexible, but she’s pretty firm about the 15th.
Lior said:
If you’ve been paying rent consistently, could you negotiate an extension? Like, offer to leave by the end of the month?
Maybe she’ll ease up if you explain your situation. Worth a shot to try and appeal to her directly.
Honestly, you might need a lawyer if she’s threatening eviction over one fine. $500 and 10 days notice sounds pretty unreasonable.
Lex said:
Honestly, you might need a lawyer if she’s threatening eviction over one fine. $500 and 10 days notice sounds pretty unreasonable.
I hadn’t thought about getting a lawyer involved yet, but maybe I should consider it. Thanks for the suggestion!
Lex said:
Honestly, you might need a lawyer if she’s threatening eviction over one fine. $500 and 10 days notice sounds pretty unreasonable.
And yeah, I’m baffled at the whole situation too. Just feels like overkill for one violation.