QUESTION
My landlord quit communicating with me
Asked on Jul 31st, 2021 on Landlord and Tenant Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
As of March 2021, my landlord quit communicating with me, he never even inquired about rent. First of all let me explain that his home that I'm renting was inhabitalble when it was suggested I approach landlord for possibly renting it. Long story short I moved in October 18, 2018. I had a one year lease and was never given another. I did 98% of all the improvements including paint, hauling rubbish, removing dead landscape, all interior and exterior needs. In March I texted him (my preferred mode of communication) and asked if we could discuss the few repairs needed and I was also going to inform him I had rent for that month and the next. My habit was to always pay early, NEVER missed a month in 3 years. He failed to reply. I let it go. Now 5 months later I received a Notice to Quit via USPS. What did I miss I've been contacting him for some direction/response and now his reply is to evict me? I'm so stunned about this that there must be some other reason. Any advice is appreciated.
1 ANSWER
Reviews not shown
There are two issues here: whether the landlord can make you move out and does he owe you anything for improvements made to the property.
Regarding the first and, to you, the most important issue, can he force you to move, the short answer is he can. The property is his and you and you a month to month tenant with an expired lease.
I would write him a physical letter, asking for new lease at a rent $50 higher than your current rent and see if they respond.
If you can document significant out of pocket expenditures for repairs (receipts and before/after pictures) may have some claim to reimbursement for improvements under the theory of unjust enrichment. The court will only look at this if the proof is solid and the work is substantial.
best of luck to you.
Answered on Aug 01st, 2021 at 10:37 AM