Landlord Harassment New Mexico

Summary

The user is facing multiple issues with her landlord in New Mexico, including harassment, lack of repairs, and a potential rent-to-own scam. The landlord has allegedly slandered the users name, mocked her mental health, and issued a 3-day notice without valid reason. The user has also had to replace several appliances out of pocket, despite the landlords responsibility for repairs. The landlord has not provided clear utility bills and has turned off the users water. The user is seeking a restraining order, a pro bono attorney, and advice on reporting the issues to local authorities. The user was advised on her tenant rights, how to obtain a restraining order, how to find a pro bono attorney, and how to report the issues to the local health department, building inspection office, and Department of Motor Vehicles.

Full Conversation

Im having issues with my landlord

What specific issues are you having with your landlord, ****?
In general, tenants have rights such as:
- Right to a habitable home
- Right to privacy
- Right to repairs
- Right to withhold rent under certain conditions.

Literally every right listed and a few others

I'm sorry to hear that, ****. Have you documented these issues and informed your landlord in writing?
General rules for tenant rights include:
- Right to a safe and habitable home
- Right to privacy
- Right to repairs
- Right to withhold rent under certain conditions
- Right to report code violations.

Im pretty sure im also hopefully the last victim of the married couple rent to own scam

Have you reported this to the local authorities? In general, it's important to report scams to the police and to your state's attorney general's office.

No i plan on going to hopefully be granted a restraining order

What is the reason for seeking a restraining order?
General rules for obtaining a restraining order include:
- Evidence of harassment or abuse
- Filing a petition with the court
- Attending a court hearing.

Because im renting a camper in her backyard kinda of her parents r.v park she has no assests in her name due to recieving medicaid and her husband being on disability and ssi for terminal illnesses

What kind of harassment or abuse are you experiencing that leads you to seek a restraining order?
General rules for obtaining a restraining order include:
- Evidence of harassment or abuse
- Filing a petition with the court
- Attending a court hearing.

Well she harrass3s everyone who stops by to visit me she refuses to answer any questions makes fun of my mental illnesses

What state are you located in? In general, it's illegal for landlords to harass tenants or interfere with their peaceful enjoyment of the property.

New Mexico

What steps have you taken so far to address these issues?
In New Mexico, tenants have the right to:
- Live in a habitable home
- Have repairs made in a timely manner
- Have utilities not be shut off as a form of harassment
- Not be harassed or retaliated against for exercising their rights.

Literally i recieved a 3 day notice because a friend whod walked to gas station accross highway to get me medicine as i myself am sick and havent had heat ever so it gets real cold her n her husband attacked him outsid3 threatned to call cops and all jinds of nasty verbal abuse

Have you considered contacting a local tenant rights organization or legal aid for assistance?
In New Mexico, tenants have the right to:
- Live in a habitable home
- Have repairs made in a timely manner
- Have utilities not be shut off as a form of harassment
- Not be harassed or retaliated against for exercising their rights.

I had to replace hot water heater the toilet. Thermostat just this month and she has me on a rto contract and a month to month expects me to pay almost * rent landpayment and power included in the * on top of outta pocket expenses

Have you kept the receipts for these repairs? In general, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property and making necessary repairs.
- In New Mexico, tenants can deduct the cost of repairs from rent if the landlord fails to make them within a reasonable time.

Yes but my landlord says that there my responsibility b3cause of the rent to own

Have you consulted a lawyer to review your rent-to-own contract?
In general, the responsibility for repairs in a rent-to-own agreement depends on the specific terms of the contract.

She also refuses to give me any sort other then a snapshot of someones power bill

Have you asked your landlord for a detailed breakdown of your utility bill? In general, landlords should provide tenants with a clear and detailed explanation of utility charges.

I did and she snapped a picture of bottom of bill cause its in her moms name supposedly and then another pic of her calculator dividing it by * giving me my part of the bill

Have you considered reporting this to your local utility company or the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission?
In general, tenants have the right to:
- Receive a clear and detailed explanation of utility charges
- Dispute incorrect or unfair utility charges.

Literally if i ask her any sort of question having to do with bills or expenses she flips out shes slandering my name thru the rv park really to anyone wholl listen that im a whore and i sell drugs

Have you considered filing a defamation lawsuit against your landlord for the slanderous comments?
In general, defamation laws in New Mexico state that:
- The statement must be false.
- The statement must harm the reputation of the person.
- The statement must be communicated to a third party.

Literally makes fun of my mental health and i have screen shots and * recording clips of her last outburst

That sounds really tough, I'm sorry you're going through this. Have you considered reporting this harassment to the police? In general, harassment is a crime and should be reported.

I have video footage of her outburst before the 3 day notice ive had no heat she turned off my water which i didnt have for a good week while she was camping and hunting

Yes i plan on that today

That's a good step. Remember to provide all the evidence you have. Is there anything else I can assist you with?

How would i go about finding a probono attorney?

You can find a pro bono attorney through:
- Local legal aid organizations
- State bar association's pro bono programs
- Law school clinics
- Non-profit organizations
Is there anything else I can assist you with?

Is there somewhere in my search im able to post a video of her insanity

You can submit evidence such as videos during legal proceedings. However, it's important to consult with your attorney before sharing any evidence publicly.

And how could i get a building inspector and health code inspector to look at the rental so its on record

You can contact your local health department or building inspection office to request an inspection. They will document any code violations.
In New Mexico, you can contact:

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department

Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * San Antonio Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM *
Website: www.rld.state.nm.us

Is there anything else I can assist you with?

No thank you so much

I'm glad I could assist you, ****. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions in the future. Good luck with your situation.

Also the copy of the title she put with my paperwork she bought in * from her "friend" never put the title in her or her husband name the vin number i cannot do a check on in any vin check tool

Have you reported this issue to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? They might be able to assist you with the VIN issue.
In general:
- The title should be transferred to the new owner upon sale.
- VIN checks can be done through various online platforms or local DMV.

So not only is she selling me the camper her names not even on the title is third party rent to own even legal

Have you consulted a lawyer to review the legality of your rent-to-own agreement?
In general:
- Rent-to-own agreements should be clear and fair.
- Both parties should have legal ownership or authority to enter into the agreement.

Ive no money for a lawyer and i know shes gonna come after me in court if i just go

You may qualify for free legal aid. In New Mexico, you can contact:

New Mexico Legal Aid

Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM *
Website: www.lawhelpnewmexico.org