So in March I went to a real estate agency to find an apartment. They found me a nice apt in the Bronx, in a house living next door to the landlord. Although I was skeptical about living in a private home with the landlord on premises( because of all the bad things I have heard ) , I took it because I did not have a place to live and was desperate.
Well everything was going well the landlord was very nice and I had no complaints. Until last month. They reduced my hours at work and I am not making as much as I was making before. Plus they changed from paying us every 2 weeks to paying us every 15 and 30th of the month. Ahead of time I explained to my landlord the situation. I told her I am very sorry that I was late this month, but that I was doing everything I can to put the money together. So on July 17,2009 I paid my rent, with the 50 dollars late fee($1050) she tells me, well you must do everything you can to pay the rent for august before august comes, right there I started to feel this pressure, and started to get nervous. I know my pay is not as high it was, my rent is 1000 a month and I have to pay my own, utilities as far as, light, gas and water. I told her I understand and would try everything I can, but that she should know ahead of time that being that I have to put 2 checks together to complete my rent, I might not be able to pay before august comes. She says well I don’t care, I need to pay my mortgage, do whatever you can because I want that rent for august As soon as Possible.
When I spoke to her the second time she called the lady from the real estate to complain about the situation, the lady in return called me. I explained to the lady the issue and she said she understands, and that its best to try to speak to the landlord.
Well long story short, the landlord calls me on 7/24/2009 and leaves me a message saying: “This is to let you know that if you do not pay your rent by the 1st of august, I want you to give me the keys to the apartment on that date, because I have a prospective tenant, and that she will be using the deposit as the rent for august” So while I am listening to this message the lady from the real estate calls me and says, oh if you need help finding a new apt I could help you. Now I am starting to feel as if I am in some scam, I only moved in 5 months ago, I paid $4000 to get this apartment and if I am having problems completing the rent on time, how could I possibly put money together to put a deposit + brokers fee for an apartment, I am also a little confused as to why the real estate broker is acting as a mediator. I only paid my rent late, its not like I owe the LL months of rent . Legally can the LL just leave me a message saying she wants the apartment in one week? Also my lease states I have till the 10th of the month to pay the rent after that there is a late fee, can she harass me this way? I have not spoken to the landlord yet because I want to make sure that when I speak to her I have as much information possible in regards to this situation. I feel that what she is doing is illegal, Is it? Its even making the living situation uncomfortable, I don’t even want to get home because of the possibility of running into her and getting into a disagreement. Please any advice is appreciated. What are my rights and options at this point, Thanks!