Question: Dear Steve, Last year we put our house, which is paid for, on the market, expecting it to sell quickly and purchase another house with a mortgage. Our realtors lower the price by $75k to sell it, but we feel that won’t give enough to invest for our retirement. Would we be better off … Read more
A California-based company that provides background reports to property management companies will pay $4.25 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations the firm failed to follow reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of its reports about potential tenants. In a complaint filed by the Department of Justice on behalf … Read more
An Arkansas prosecutor has been fired after speaking out against the state’s criminal eviction statute in an October ProPublica story. Garland County deputy prosecutor Josh Drake was let go from his position on Oct. 31 by Michelle Lawrence, the prosecuting attorney. Arkansas is the only state where landlords can file criminal charges rather than civil … Read more
It was bad enough when Jazmon Allen lost her waitressing job in March at a Hot Springs, Arkansas, barbecue restaurant during statewide closures meant to curb the pandemic. Then after she fell behind on her rent came the shock that only happens to tenants in Arkansas: In May, her landlord filed a criminal complaint for … Read more
Living with roommates can be both a blessing and a struggle. After all, teaming up with a roommate could mean a bigger apartment with a little more space. If you’re lucky, roommates can sometimes even turn into built-in friends—people who will be there for you at 3 am when you need to cry on the … Read more
In August 2018, Chermire Gladden sat on the dark wooden benches in Maryland District Court, waiting her turn as a judge churned through more than 90 cases filed against public housing residents. Gladden had informed the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis two months earlier that she wouldn’t be able to afford the $604 … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I am a landlord whose Muslim tenants have not paid their rent in six months. What does the Koran say about repayment of a debt to a non-Muslim person? Susan Answer: Dear Susan, Well, that’s an interesting academic question but this is a matter first that is covered by your state law. … Read more
Forget the idea that we can’t let facts and science guide a logical response to the current pandemic. Let’s put that aside. What is clearly an imminent threat is the closing window of public support through unemployment assistance or eviction forbearance that has helped many people through these difficult months while they await a return … Read more
When the unpredictable happens, such as sudden job loss, it’s easy to feel panicked and unsure about next steps. You might be at a loss about what to do you’re laid off, and this can be overwhelming. In times like these, it’s important to know you are not alone. Unemployment has risen dramatically in the past … Read more
People are making less but paying more overall in rent. Here is why you may be spending more time working than in your bedroom.
A federal judge has ordered Credit Bureau Center, LLC and its owner, Michael Brown, to pay more than $5.2 million to return to consumers, to resolve FTC charges that they deceived people with fake rental property ads and deceptive promises of “free” credit reports, and then tricked them into enrolling into a costly monthly credit … Read more
Question: Dear Steve, I owed an apartment complex $800 in 2012. I completed the lease but they kept my deposit and charged me an additional $800 for replacing the carpet and cleaning the garage which had stains on the floor. I tried to pay it but recently when I inquired, they sold the debt to … Read more
Housing expenses often take up the largest share of people’s monthly budgets, so if you can’t find affordable housing, it can make everything more difficult. People who live in densely populated areas know this all too well and understand that high rent prices are just a part of living where they want to be (I’m looking … Read more
Owning your own home used to be the American dream. But today, the aftermath of the mortgage crisis, the burden of student loans, and a mobile workforce have combined to encourage more Gen-Yers and Millennials to rent instead of buy. No matter what the reason you’re renting, it’s important to understand why you need renter’s … Read more
Housing costs is often the biggest part of any American’s budget. But when it comes to choosing where you will live there is often one major question: Should you rent or should you buy? There are several factors that go into which decision is more financially prudent for you. One number that can help you figure … Read more