Once replacement tenants move in, is the original tenant still responsible for rental payments?
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Once replacement tenants move in, is the original tenant still responsible for rental payments?
I had a rental agreement in Nevada and had to break it due to my job relocation for a promotion. My landlord was able to get new tenents to live in the house 2 weeks after we moved out, she is now saying that I still have to pay her rent for the remainder of the lease (even though new tenants are living there). She has been harassing my entire family for weeks and now is harassing me at my new job about all the money she thinks I owe her. What can I do from here?
Asked on January 4, 2013 under Real Estate Law, Colorado
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Your obligation to pay rent ended when the house was re-rented. Your landlord cannot collect double rent from you and the new tenant.
As for the harassment from your former landlord, you can sue the landlord for invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy is a serious interference with your right to be left alone.
Your damages (monetary compensation you are seeking in your lawsuit) for invasion of privacy would be compensation for mental distress, and if applicable, physical illness, harm to your business or social interests. Punitive damages (a substantial amount) can be awarded if a wrongful motive on the part of the defendant can be shown.
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