Gun owner - landlord discrimination ?

[JALLEN]

Another problem with the "scorched earth" policy is that he indicates that several neighbors are gun owners too, which might splash back on them. They might neither appreciate, nor deserve, being forced out of the closet. Of course, if most of the occupants are gun owners, the landlord might not enjoy being faced with mass vacancy.

As one former Congressman put it, "Be sure you are right. Then go ahead."

[baldeagle]

As one former Congressman put it, "Be sure you are right. Then go ahead."

When has a Congressman ever been right about anything?

[rwg3]

The voice of experience: Take detailed pictures or video of every wall, every room, every floor, and all of the property when you leave. Otherwise, you may face expensive "clean up" fees. This guy sounds like the type who will want you to foot the bill for all new carpet, paint, etc., and claim it was excessive abuse on your part that made it necessary. Normal wear and tear is to be expected.

While this whole thing is unfair, it is not illegal and it is his property. If you have been renting for several years, this guy is also your only recent reference to give to your next perspective landlord. Don't count on renting anywhere very easily without a reference. Giving him a load of stuff in retaliation may feel satisfying, but would certainly also hand the guy concrete things to say against you to another landlord.
If you think he is going to be a problem that way, then see if you can get notarized statements from your next door neighbors as to your care of the place, lack of disturbances, etc. Compile proof (bank statements etc) that your rent was always on time, and even hand a perspective landlord a background check record you ran on yourself when you decide you want a property before he can have a chance to call the jerk. I know someone who did all this to overcome a bad reference from a former vindictive landlord and it worked. I do understand this will not sit well with the urge to strike back and I don't blame you one bit but the goal is be able to rent a place you really want elsewhere.

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Is it in the lease that firearms and ammunition are forbidden?

Holding you rent hostage will leave you wide open for an eviction lawsuit, you will lose in court, and you will get to pay court costs and late fees on top of what you owe him for back rent.

I would just move, make sure the place is spotless when you leave, and make sure that you get your deposit back. If not, and he does not give you an itemized in writing list of what he used your deposit money for within 30 days, then per the Texas Property Code you can sue him for three times your deposit plus 100 bucks. Then go buy more guns :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Two excellent pieces of advice. As has been pointed out in threads on other topics the landlord is just exercising his free market enterprise rights. Not much different from vendors raising their prices in times of shortage. As pointed out discretion on your part has many benefits and in he long run you will be better for exercising it.

[bizarrenormality]

Note to self. Never tell a tenant you're not allowing them to renew the lease. Just double the rent for "market conditions" and they'll probably move out on their own with less drama.

[sugar land dave]

I've never been real big on revenge. I read a Good Book that said:

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.."

With this in my mind, I ask why anyone on this forum would suggest ANYTHING that might make gun owners appear in a bad light; I honestly cannot understand.

It is unfortunate that the owner does not want to continue renting his property, but it is his property, and he should be able to resume unimpeded use of his property after the lease has expired. There is no knowing what is the real reason for his changing the situation. He wants or needs you out and truthfully you should want out if you are no longer feel welcome.

It is a tough time in the country. I see and I understand, but at some point, it will be good men, with good character that will turn things around. That is how it always has been; it is the nature of history.

[race4beer]

The voice of experience: Take detailed pictures or video of every wall, every room, every floor, and all of the property when you leave. Otherwise, you may face expensive "clean up" fees. This guy sounds like the type who will want you to foot the bill for all new carpet, paint, etc., and claim it was excessive abuse on your part that made it necessary. Normal wear and tear is to be expected.

Had to do this once - you may want to add a copy of the day's newspaper clearly showing the date to cover yourself as well. Even with the pictures it's your word against his that the damage was done after the photos were taken.

[rotor]

It was asked before but I did not see a response, did the prior lease have a firearm exclusion in it? This is one of the reasons that it is better to own than to rent. Not only is a forced move a pain in the butt but also it will be expensive for you. It would also be interesting if you could get a copy of new lease agreement that he uses to see if there is a firearm exclusion. Not that you will be able to do anything about it but just for curiousity. I have been a landlord in the past and believe me, it is no joy.

[RottenApple]

It was asked before but I did not see a response, did the prior lease have a firearm exclusion in it? This is one of the reasons that it is better to own than to rent. Not only is a forced move a pain in the butt but also it will be expensive for you. It would also be interesting if you could get a copy of new lease agreement that he uses to see if there is a firearm exclusion. Not that you will be able to do anything about it but just for curiousity. I have been a landlord in the past and believe me, it is no joy.

I don't really see why a firearm exclusion would matter. Oh sure, if he was being evicted it would matter a great deal. But since its just a refusal to renew, what is or is not in the current lease shouldn't be an issue. The landlord can refuse to renew for any or no reason whatsoever. Heck, I've been refused a renewal because the complex had been sold and the new owners wanted to gut & renovate all the buildings.

[45Carrier]

No clauses about guns at all in the present lease agreement.

I think moving is the best option, I just don't know whom to contact to assist in locating a place and then of course locating movers that don't have long memories or sticky fingers. Being a shooter and reloader is a docile pastime but I would still like to keep the details of both to myself.

During times like these, I can see a definite niche for bonded and background checked movers that deal in moving lead, ammo, gun safes etc. and can either appreciate the stuff for what it is, or be honest enough to care less.

It could very well be the landlord has other intentions for the place, but he put a sign in the front yard today indicating the place will be available for lease "coming soon".

I am on the hunt, so if any of you know of a place, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I can use all the help I can find right now. Any recommendations for a person/company that locates lease property would also be helpful.

As far as dealing with the landlord himself, he is kind of terse since this all came up, but I wish the man no ill will. Since I took on the responsibility of being a CHL holder many years ago, my instincts are now geared more toward deescalation than revenge. I won't lose any sleep over him one way or the other.

I will definitely take pics and have a couple of witnesses during the process to verify the condition of the place when I move out.

Right now, I'm stressing over finding a new place and getting settled again. I'm sure it will work out, but I'm one of those who likes things in order on the home front and this is not something I relish.

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions. If any other suggestions arise, please post them or send me a PM.

[alvins]

honestly, sounds like you made someone mad and knew you had guns so they went and whined to management.

my lease basically say nothing about having guns other then they can evict you for displaying them in public areas of the complex. i wouldnt open carry on my front porch either though i think i may have the right to.

[Ericstac]

It sounds like you are renting a house correct? If so, the best revenge is to move peacefully.. Once it is occupied again within the first few months he will be regretting his decision. My mom has two rentals next to her house and 9 times out of 10 the renters will be bad seeds that cause headaches for the owners..

[SQLGeek]

No clauses about guns at all in the present lease agreement.

I think moving is the best option, I just don't know whom to contact to assist in locating a place and then of course locating movers that don't have long memories or sticky fingers. Being a shooter and reloader is a docile pastime but I would still like to keep the details of both to myself.

I applaud you for taking the high road and being a good ambassador for gun owners. Hopefully when you move on, he will realize what a good tenant he had.

As far as locating an apartment, there are ton of listings on Craigs List. http://www.zillow.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://www.trulia.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; are two other sites that might be able to help.

Good luck on your search and move.

[2farnorth]

A little advice. When you do actually move take the guns, ammo, and other small valuables with you in your own vehicle. Don't let the "Movers" even see or handle them. If you are a golfer take your clubs with you too.

[flechero]

As tempting as it would be to push his buttons, remember that most new landlords will want a reference from a previous landlord...

I think with a little time, you should be able to find a nice place in the area. Probably upgrade landlords in the process.

[mewalke]

It sounds like you are renting a house correct? If so, the best revenge is to move peacefully.. Once it is occupied again within the first few months he will be regretting his decision. My mom has two rentals next to her house and 9 times out of 10 the renters will be bad seeds that cause headaches for the owners..

As a current landlord of two homes - the worst thing you could do to him is go peacefully and not give him another dime. The majority of renters are NOT as easy on homes as it sounds like you have been, and it is quite likely he will have a worse tenant the next time around.