Stolen Rent Checks

If your check is stolen, who’s responsible — you or your landlord?

If you think someone stole your rent, immediately put it in writing — in a certified letter to your landlord. State what day and time you paid the rent, and include any copies of checks or money order receipts. Also, file a police report immediately.

Under state law, a landlord can’t force you to pay rent all over again, but they can try to evict you. If that happens, experts say, go to court, bring your evidence and bring anyone else whose checks were stolen.

Tenants rights experts say, it’s best to pay your rent with a personal check. That way, you can stop payment on it, and get copies of it once it’s cashed. If that’s not possible, cashier’s checks and more secure than money orders, because they’re printed on a computer.

Foreclosure Forces Renters Out Fast

Stephanie Touchstone said her landlord gave her no warning that the house she’s rented since 2007 was up for foreclosure.

“I was shocked,” she said. “I had no idea the house was in foreclosure.”

She found out from a realtor.

“That’s all I know,” she said. “I’m getting kicked out.”

In Texas, your landlord doesn’t have to warn you that foreclosure is imminent.

“There’s no notification requirement,” said Katherine Stark with the Austin Tenants’ Council. More…