Can my landlord sue me if he can’t re-rent after I move due to something I allegedly said to perspective renters?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can my landlord sue me if he can’t re-rent after I move due to something I allegedly said to perspective renters?
8 of my friends and I rent an apartment and our lease is up in August. My landlord has been trying to find new renters for the apartment. He has yet to do so and recently e-mailed us accusing us of telling perspective renters not to rent the apartment (the e-mail does not state what we are accused of telling them in any detail). He says that if he does not get people to move in after we leave, he will sue us for slander, and wants us to be responsible for paying the years rent. I know for a fact that none of us have done any such thing. Would his case hold water?
Asked on April 28, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
It is difficult to make any determination on an issue without all the facts. Slander is what is known as "defamation" which is a tort under the law. The absolute defense to defamation is truth, so even if you said something to the prospective tenants if it was truthful your speech would be protected. Now, without any proof on his part it is a difficult thing to prove. So I would not really worry about it unless he starts a suit, which I doubt he will. Now, a bit of precautionary advice. Leave the apartment broom clean and take pictures. Ask the landlord to come and do an exit walthrough. If he refuses document that - maybe in writing - so you have proof should he sue you later for damage to the apartment. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.