In June 2023, I was locked out of the payment portal for my rent, and then promptly paid June’s rent with a money order on the 5th. Despite this, I was served an unlawful detainer for non-payment of rent on the 7th by the same person who accepted my payment. This was not the first issue I had with the management. In January 2023, I was charged twice for my rent portion. As a Section 8 tenant, my portion was small, with housing covering the majority. The second payment should have covered February’s rent, but the manager, who seemed to have a personal issue with me, failed to apply it correctly. This tension began when I had to involve the housing authority after being told I couldn’t move in on the agreed date because the manager was sick, leaving me homeless for an additional week despite having paid my deposit. I received no assistance or apology, but I let it go, grateful to finally have a place to live.

Throughout my tenancy, I lived in constant fear of eviction, even though I paid my rent on time and documented everything. The management repeatedly targeted me, but I refused to back down because I knew my rights and had proof of every payment and interaction. I successfully fought the unlawful detainer, getting it dismissed with prejudice. Despite this victory, they sent my account to collections, further harassing me. I am now planning to sue for their wrongful actions. My advice to anyone facing a similar situation is to document everything—every payment, conversation, and interaction—and avoid verbal communication with the management unless it’s through text or email. Standing up for your rights is not easy, but it is possible.

Your story is a testament to resilience and the importance of knowing your rights. If you decide to pursue legal action, consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney or legal aid organization to ensure you have the strongest case possible. Your documentation will be key to holding them accountable.