So, my previous tenant is suing me, claiming I harassed her by entering her room without notice. She’s asking for 3 times the rent as compensation. Background: her lease was supposed to end next year, but she terminated it early on 05/18/2024. I mistakenly entered the unit on 05/14/2024, four days before her lease officially ended, and there was a camera that caught me entering. I only opened the door, didn’t go in, and she wasn’t there. Is this really harassment? Do I actually need to pay the full 3 months’ rent?
Wait, did they actually take you to court over this, or just threatening you?
rayzrox said:
Wait, did they actually take you to court over this, or just threatening you?
They did file a small claim against me. Didn’t mention this in the official claim, though, just brought it up in mediation.
rayzrox said:
Wait, did they actually take you to court over this, or just threatening you?
Sounds like they’re fishing for a payout. If they didn’t file it in the main claim, can they actually ask for it?
Pretty sure you’d only have to pay if the judge rules there was actual damage caused by it.
Kasey said:
Pretty sure you’d only have to pay if the judge rules there was actual damage caused by it.
Yeah, they’re claiming harassment but no actual damage. Trying to figure out if it’s even legit.
Kasey said:
Pretty sure you’d only have to pay if the judge rules there was actual damage caused by it.
Harassment usually needs more evidence. Like, if there was damage or she felt threatened, then maybe. But a single accidental entry?
No way this would send you to jail! It’s not a criminal case, just a civil one. No worries there.
Teo said:
No way this would send you to jail! It’s not a criminal case, just a civil one. No worries there.
Phew, that’s a relief. I was worried about what penalties they might push for.
Teo said:
No way this would send you to jail! It’s not a criminal case, just a civil one. No worries there.
Yeah, it’s about money, not criminal charges. Worst case, you’d be told to pay, but that’s up to the judge.
Why not just explain it was an honest mistake? I mean, you didn’t actually enter or do anything wrong.
Reece said:
Why not just explain it was an honest mistake? I mean, you didn’t actually enter or do anything wrong.
True, I’ll bring that up. Just concerned they’ll spin it as ‘invasion of privacy’ or something.
Reece said:
Why not just explain it was an honest mistake? I mean, you didn’t actually enter or do anything wrong.
If it goes to trial, just stick to facts. Mistake, no damage, and you respected her privacy overall.
IDK, sounds like they’re just mad about breaking the lease and looking for cash. Seen it happen a lot.
August said:
IDK, sounds like they’re just mad about breaking the lease and looking for cash. Seen it happen a lot.
Exactly what I thought! Feels like a way to dodge any fees from breaking the lease.
August said:
IDK, sounds like they’re just mad about breaking the lease and looking for cash. Seen it happen a lot.
Yeah, tenants sometimes pull this. Hope it works out for you!