RENTING AND THE LAW KELLY KLEIN
Q My landlord sent me a letter last week telling me that they have decided to "discontinue" my tenancy effective June 30 because they "have lost multiple tenants as a direct result of some of [my] actions."
I had one complaint from a neighbor well over a year ago, but had not been contacted at any other time since then about any other problems.
I spoke with their office after receiving the letter and the assistant had been instructed by the owner not to tell me who these "multiple tenants" are or what the issues were that supposedly caused them to move.
Do I have a legal right to find out their detailed reasons for kicking me out? I have no desire to keep renting from them, for this and other issues.
A You didn't tell me what type of lease you're under, so I'm assuming you're on a month-to-month lease or that your current lease runs out June 30, and that your landlord is choosing not to extend it beyond June 30.
Your landlord cannot terminate your tenancy early if your lease doesn't expire on June 30, unless you've committed a violation of your lease terms. As you probably know, your landlord does not have to renew your lease once it expires and does not need to give you any reason for failing to do so, unless the reason is discriminatory or for retaliation.
If your landlord is failing to renew your lease due to discriminatory reasons or retaliation, you can file a claim against your landlord and ask the court that you be allowed to stay.
Otherwise, there is nothing you can do about it except to discuss the situation with your landlord so you can better understand the reasons why. Your landlord does not need to give you details or names of people who complained about you.
I would try talking to your landlord again and request that your landlord give you a good recommendation if a potential landlord calls him or her regarding your tenancy.
New owner must honor lease Q I am renting a townhouse for which I signed a one-year lease dated July 1, 2007. After three months, the owner listed the property for sale. The property recently sold and just a few days ago, I was given verbal and then written notice to vacate the property several months before my lease was to expire.
What are my legal rights?
A When the property was sold, the new owner took possession of the property subject to your lease. This means that they cannot simply cancel your lease and also means that they cannot just give you a 30-day notice and require that you leave.
You should write the new owner, and enclose a copy of the lease. Tell them that you will not be moving early, as there is no basis to cancel your lease.
However, if the property is in foreclosure and someone purchases it, this requires a different notice period. Because you didn't mention the property was in foreclosure, I'm assuming this isn't applicable to your situation.
Kelly Klein is a Minneapolis attorney. Do not rely on advice in this column regarding a legal situation until you consult a qualified attorney; information provided by readers is not confidential; participation in this column does not create an attorney/client relationship, and no such relationship is created without a retainer agreement with Klein. If you have questions concerning renting, you can e-mail her at kklein@kleinpa.com, post your questions at www.startribune.com/kellyklein or write in care of Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488.
LANDLORD-TENANT INFORMATION HELP LINE
The Landlord-Tenant Information Help Line, a nonprofit organization, provides information and resource services to landlords and tenants. Information includes a 256-page property management reference manual, a landlord apartment rental kit and a tenant apartment information and move-in package. Also available are two handbooks: "How to Protect Your Family From Lead" and "Landlords and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities." There is a charge for some printed materials. Call 612-341-9003 weekdays between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., or write to 1421 Park Av. S., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
MINNESOTA MULTI HOUSING ASSOCIATION HOT LINE
This nonprofit organization of owners, developers and managers of multifamily housing can answer questions about tenants' and rental property owners' rights and responsibilities. Call the free hot line at 952-858-8222. The nonprofit sells leases and other forms for small fees.
MINNESOTA TENANTS UNION
The Minnesota Tenants Union is located at 610 W. 28th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408. It provides information by phone or in person about tenants' rights and rental housing issues. For information on phone and walk-in hours, call 612-871-7485.
Read past columns and study rental market data at startribune.com/rent.
CONTACT US
Real estate editor/reporter Jim Buchta 612-673-7376 jbuchta@ startribune.com
Homes reporter Lynn Underwood 612-673-7619, lunderwood@startribune.com
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Read past columns and study rental market data at startribune.com/rent.
