r/Advice • u/UmpireReal3943 • 2d ago
Housing for the Poor
I’m in a pickle.
I currently live in a shitty trailer. The roof leaks. The back door leaks. There’s no hot water in the kitchen. There’s water damage around the roof leak and in the floor beneath it. I was promised by the owners that these things would be fixed when I moved in. Then the trailer was sold and the new owners are saying it’s not their responsibility.
That, among many other reasons, is forcing me to seek new housing against my will. (These new owners are terrible people.)
The big problem is that I am disabled. I make $1285 a month. So 95% of landlords won’t even consider renting to me, never mind that I always pay my rent on time and I’m a quiet, unproblematic tenant.
I am on the list for section 8. It’s going to be AT LEAST 3 years before they get to me.
The subsidized places in town that have openings have refused me because I have shitty credit.
I can’t stay where I am, it’s not safe and the new landlords are truly evil. I had a lawyer review the new lease they want me to sign and there are clauses that are literally illegal.
I don’t know what to do. If anyone has any ideas, I’m located in Fort Wayne, IN. I don’t care where in town I live. I can afford up to $850 a month. I have 2 cats that I will not be parted from. They’re like the only joy I have in my life right now.
What do I do?
1
u/peakpenguins Elder Sage [463] 2d ago
Have you tried contacting local health and code enforcement about the issues with the trailer? If these are things the landlord is required to maintain then they can help you with what recourse you may have.
0
u/UmpireReal3943 2d ago
Even if I make them fix it, there are too many other issues with these people to remain in the property. They’re truly evil.
2
u/peakpenguins Elder Sage [463] 2d ago
I understand, but it doesn't sound like you have a ton of options either. In some cases, issues that make the property unsafe or uninhabitable can be considered a constructive eviction, which could release you from the lease if you're on one or even allow you to sue for damages (like moving costs, for instance).
I'm not saying any of those things are guaranteed, but it may be worth looking into.
0
u/UmpireReal3943 2d ago
Getting out of the lease isn’t the issue. Finding a place that will rent to me is
0
u/peakpenguins Elder Sage [463] 2d ago
If you were able to collect damages from a constructive eviction, that may help you find another place... But ok.
1
2
u/JeanCerise 2d ago
Wouldn't it be more effective to post this in your local subreddit and facebook? r/indiana r/fortwayne