Are there any landlords in or around Jacksonville, Illinois who will work with me?
I am being evicted from my apartment due to inability to pay the heating oil bill, which is under the current landlord's name. I have explained the situation, and agreed with her to make monthly payments because I'm on SSI. I proceeded to make payments, and she abruptly changed her mind and is tossing me out on the streets. When I mean streets, I mean I'll literally live on the streets. I've consulted with so many landlords around here and they all refused to rent anything to me because of poor landlord references... my ex husband withheld 3 months rent with the previous house. I had no idea till I was served with an eviction notice. It's one of the reasons why we dissolved our relationship. Now because of what he did with the previous landlord, I can't get a house! The divorce also destroyed my credit, and the landlords here don't care. They only look at the credit, and they don't want to know why it was damaged. They won't even let me explain my horrible relationship with my ex. I have four children, and am very responsible with the upkeep of the premises so they would have a safe place to play. I also make SURE I pay ALL THE BILLS ON TIME! But my ex has destroyed all hope of having a place to live. My God, I'll be out on the streets in less than 30 days! The welfare services won't help, and Section 8 and HUD rejected me for the same reasons! I don't want my children to be out there in the cold, to sleep in some ditch! My youngest is only 7 months old! I've already tried everything.... I don't know what to do. I'm hoping that some landlord would give me a chance! I want to start with a clean slate, to show them that my ex and I are two DIFFERENT people, with SEPERATE personalities. But no. Any advice??? I have been paying rent on time, and have been making monthly payments on the heating bill AS AGREED with the landlord. The credit has been damaged for reasons other than nonpayment, as you've obviously overlooked. Try not to be stupid next time and learn to read. Clarification: 1. Credit was GOOD before divorce. After divorce, it was BAD. 2. Landlords refuse to accept me because EX-HUSBAND messed up with the last landlord. THUS leaving ME with bad references. I have NO other landlord references save for the one above. Clear now? Unfortunately, I haven't enough money to move, and my entire family is two hundred miles north of where I am. I've already asked local friends, and they cannot take in five more people. And my church is out - they excommunicated me immediately after I divorced my ex-husband, and the rest of the churches in town are Catholic... they want me to pay them to hold an annulment thing before even lifting a finger to help, and it's an astronomical price compared to the disability income I get! Renting & Real Estate - 3 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
You have provided clues as to why you cannot find a landlord who will work with you. In addition to having a poor credit record, by your own admission, you are also unable to pay the heating bill for the premises which you currently occupy. A landlord will not expect that you will be able to pay monthly rents on time if you cannot even pay to heat the place. While I sympathize with your plight, please do understand that landlords are not in the business of charity. Most landlords also have financial obligations to financial institutions in terms of mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes. Without being able to count on a reliable tenant for prompt payment, these costs come out of the landlord's personal pocket. Landlords cannot be expected to 'take your word' that everything will be fine in the future, given your past history. My only suggestion to you is to find someone who might co-sign guaranteed payment of your rents and other obligations to the landlord, such as a family member, or other person who would be willing to take such a risk.
Answer 2 :
Is there anyway you can stay with some family or something? My heart goes out to you and your children. I don't know why the landlord changed her mind even though you had worked out a payment plan - You sound extremely intelligent but your udated answer leads me to believe you may have a temper or could be just anger about the whole situation with your ex husband. I would find someone, friend, family, church that will help you with a roof over your head - even if you have to move. I will say a prayer for you and one for your landlord to have a change of heart.
Answer 3 :
I'm sorry, but I simply do not believe what you are saying. The Catholic church helps people of all faiths and even of no Christian faith, so they would help a family such as you describe to get into a place or a shelter at least. Your ex was not responsible - you both were equally. Though I can see where one person is not aware that their partner is messing up and hiding it from the other. The church will talk to your landlord and pay your heating bill in exchange for an agreement to let you stay - but, can you really afford to be there? A divorce can not screw up your credit - lack of payments can - you either paid it or you didn't. He is obviously living somewhere with the same credit issues as you - how did he do it?
Answer 4 :
Don't give up. You have a compelling story. Keep pitching. Emphasize your responsibility and forget the "out in the cold "stuff. Good luck.
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