I just became a statistic!

[Hazcat]

I'd also look into changing your door locks.

[blackwolfe]

Timothy I'd put the rent money and only that money in a new savings account.  Deposit it every month just as if you were paying rent.  I'm not a lawyer and don't know the law where you live, but if some jackass lawyer or court down the line says you owe  for rent, then you can show good faith and you have the $ to pay.  If you don't ever have to pay it, then you have a nice bonus for retirement or towards a down payment if you choose.  i don't know what your economic circumstances are, but since you would normally be paying the rent money out anyway hopefully  you won't have to raid the "rent" money account.  If needed for other necessary expenses so be it, but in this economic times it may be prudent to resist the temptation to splurge and buy guns or those things that wives need want.  Maybe you could save it for your escape plans when that becomes possible.  Even though you have ties to Michigan I wouldn't come here unless you don't have to work.  Like Frank said earlier the unemployment rate is high, over 15% officially.  Unofficially it's over 25% as some of the unemployed are not counted in the official record keeping.  The unemployment rate for this years college graduates is 80% and I don't think they are counted.

[Timothy]

I'd also look into changing your door locks.

I changed the locks when he fled left the country back in January.  I didn't trust his ex-wife, his cousins or his friends or my next door neighbor who I work with....

But good advice Haz.....

[Pathfinder]

Well, having just read an article of MA law regarding tenants and foreclosures, we feel much better.  Under the law of the state, my rights far exceed the banks.  I'm not required to even pay rent to anyone other than my old landlord and since he has fled the country, looks like I just got a raise!

They further state that even after an auction, the NEW owner cannot demand rent unless it's under the same conditions of my previous lease.  Eviction is something that can only be ordered by a court of law so, for the time being, I'll be saving a few grand a month.....

The real losers in this ordeal are this guys three kids who he's abandoned and left with his ex-wife who is now 36K poorer because the guy hasn't paid child support either.

Do not for a minute assume that this will be followed. You will have to push the issue and be vigilant.

Sucks about the ex-wife though, and the kids who did not need to be shown so blatantly what a loser their old man is. Knee-capping is too good - maybe a knife and his nether regions is a start?

[Timothy]

Blackwolfe.....all sage advice and my attorney said the same thing.  As to MI, I could find employment but I would be taking it away from someone else at this point.  I have several friends in private tool business.  I could, but wouldn't pull some favors...

Path..... also sage advice and at this point in my life, I trust fewer and fewer people.  I trust my family, some close friends and some new friends on this forum, whom I don't really know and may never meet.  Even though the law is pretty clear, I'm watching my six...no choice.

Thanks, all of you, for some good advice, friendship and fellowship....

[Sponsor]

[Ping]

Best thing I can offer Timothy are my prayers. But I can also do you one better and send some bullets to fend off the Lebanese invasion, LOL? 

[MikeBjerum]

Tom, your just jonesing for a hunting trip to my pals place in MO.....but thanks anyway.  The wifey just asked where the heck is Iowa?


 

Just south of God's country (or at least one of his prime pieces of real estate) 

[Timothy]

Best thing I can offer Timothy are my prayers. But I can also do you one better and send some bullets to fend off the Lebanese invasion, LOL? 

Prayers are welcome, more for the folks out of work right now than me but I'll take 'em, graciously!

As too Lebanese invaders?  I have it on good authority they are really, really squishy and soft so most hollow points can handle the job.  Ship as many as you please, .45 ACP and .357 mag.  We're pretty well stocked on 9mm and .40, .223, .243 and buku 12 ga shells..

 

[Timothy]

Just south of God's country (or at least one of his prime pieces of real estate) 

My wife is from WOOOSTAH, MA so Iowa is "frickin wicked fa, fa away", a "wicked pissa" of a drive....

Actually, she thinks it's a town in Michigan, close but no cigar!

[Ping]

My brother lived in Worcester/Wooster and I helped him move in to his dumbass falt that cost him $1500 a month on the third floor that was a one bedroom/living room, a kitchen and a shower/toilet. Loved riding the Redline into Beantown to cause some hate and discontent on Harvard Square. Got kicked out of a bar before I even go in there. Caught a show at Harbor Lights and stopped back at Harvard Square for a few drinks. They apparently did not like the way I was dressed. Hmmm, I was visiting from Indiana and didn't have freaking straw hanging from my mouth. The redline had shut down and had to pay a $120 cab ride back to Worcester/Wooster. I spent more money in Boston and Salem, Massachussets than I did on any other vacation I have ever taken in my life and was only there 5 days. The guys I met in South Boston were pretty cool.