living, thinking and writing
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| PRACTICE living, thinking and writing |
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Monday, November 24, 2003 bad-landlord index About one month ago, I got my deposit back from the former landlord who had attempted to keep my money. After I sent him a registered mail threatening I will sue him for "illegally holding deposit,, intentional fraud and tort of conversion", I got my full deposit back plus $3 of interest. Everyone says it is a miracle: You were three thousand miles away, and he sent you the check? This experience and reaction from friends and lawyer makes me realize the omnipresence of the problem, how easy for landlord to keep the deposit and how difficult for tenant to get money back. Well, since the law is so loose on landlord's liability and could not really protect tenant's benefit, and there is no self-regulation for these landlords, why don't tenants get together to protect themselves? Few weeks ago I listened to a talk on "oppositional new media", which refers to some cool sites that attempt to fight against, or at least caricature, government and corporations. Then I thought why there is no website targeted on irresponsible landlords. On such a website, people who do not get their deposit back can log on line to enter the name of the landlord, and the list could be indexed alphabetically based on state, city, and name! I guess the list will go fast and long. Other than a outlet for rage and frustration, this online database serves two function: a reference for people looking for housing to check the credibility of landlord, and a Sword of Damocles to remind those landlords that they are being watched. Any tricks the landlord play will win him a place in the black list and people interested in renting will check his name out. He really needs to rethink the consequence if he tries to hold the money. Sure it might be some legal issue involved in this plan. Will there be any malign or unfairness to the landlord, it is hard to tell. The confirmation of the prosecutor’s identity as well as reiteration of non-involvement to any legal issues is critical to the website’s survival. posted by lmeimei @12:04 AM| permanent link| | |
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