Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Renter Learns Landlord Does Not Own Property
A complaint was filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Monday after a woman learned that the man from whom she had rented her home is not the property owner.
The victim, age 38, showed deputies a lease that was signed by both she and the man from whom she had rented her home, outlining the terms of the rental agreement.
She said that she had been renting the Ethridge Redhill Road home since March 1, 2013. She told deputies that she had paid a $350 deposit and $350 for the first month’s rent.
The victim said she learned that the man from whom she had rented the home was actually the stepson of the owner. She told deputies she had spoken with the owner, who was in Florida, and he said that no one had been authorized to rent the home to her. She said that the owner agreed to allow her to remain in the home for the time being.
In addition to the fraudulent rental, the victim told deputies that her “landlord” had entered her home without her permission and took $250 in cash.
She said that he had also “sold” her thirty porcelain eagle figurines for $250. She said that the figurines were actually the property of the real owner, and that he had not authorized his stepson to sell them.
Altogether, the victim said the man fraudulently took $1,200 from her.
The matter currently remains under investigation.
