Many renters act responsibly, according to the terms of their lease. If you have a rental agreement, you likely pay your rent on time, adhere to the pet restrictions and understand that you will have to pay for any damage you cause to your rental unit.
Likewise, if you are a landlord, you probably take care of your properties. You run background checks on prospective tenants, make necessary repairs and provide notice of upcoming changes that might affect your tenants. While many landlords and tenants work well together, some are not successful.
Charges transpired for one couple
Based on allegations of trashing a rental property, one Connecticut couple was arrested in June 2018. Chad Anderson has since received one felony count of criminal property damage. Meanwhile, his wife Jessica’s case is pending.
The couple’s landlord, Laura Guilmartin, estimates the Andersons caused more than $20,000 worth of damage to her rental home. The couple’s previous landlord, Dritan Dalipi, alleges the Andersons also caused thousands of dollars of damage in his rental property by violating his pet policy. Although Chad Anderson has no conviction connected with Dalipi, he owes restitution to both landlords. The amount is not yet determined.
New York’s Tenant Rights
The full extent of the Anderson’s case remains unknown. However, a situation in which it is acceptable to cause unnecessary damage at another person’s expense is highly unlikely.
A lease outlines the terms between you and your landlord, as well as your rights – even ones you may exercise during a dispute. However, it is important to remember that if you violate your agreement, your landlord may take steps to enforce their rights and hold you accountable.
