landlord issues

[Akitagirl]

hi all,

I've been struggling with my landlord over the past month.  everything seemed fine but last month she gave me a notice for a rent increase, $100 per week , so now from $350 its gone to $450 per week. she knows I'm on Centrelink benefits so now she's basically asking for 90% of my benefit. i did have $200 per week to live on, but now that's shifted to $100 per week, I also have a dog. so I'm not sure how I'm going to afford it. she handed me the notice and walked off and since then I've noticed an unmistakeable change in her demeanour. she gives me one word answers to texts and has changed her routine to basically avoid me at all costs. I don't know what I've done wrong. 

last week I was away, overseas and my gut told me to lock the house up and take a photo of the door when I left. i put a piece of grass in the door jam so I would know if anyone had been in the house.

I got back today , took another photo, and sure enough the grass was missing and the curtains had been moved. only someone with keys could have entered, so I'm 100% sure it was her.  I don't know what to do. if i confront her, she's likely to say I threatened her, she doesn't feel safe or whatever, and have me removed immediately. I don't want that. if I say nothing, I live with the knowledge that she comes and goes in my house which is illegal. I really don't know what to do at this stage.  I don't want to move back to my husbands house, (which is an option) but comes with its own challenges.... (my god its a slum now, since I left it).... I also dont want to live in my car with my dog. thoughts?

[Croix]

Dear AkitaGirl~

Welcome back to the Forum, it's good to hear from you although under such horrible circumstances.

See if you are eligible for an additional Commonwealth benefit may be an option, try the National Debt Hotline who give detailed instructions on this

There may be a tenants association in your state/territory. As some procedures/appeals may be time limited I'd suggest contacting them straight away. It can even apply on some occasions if you are on a public housing waiting list. This may not end up helping but is worth a try, for advice now and in the future. 

Also generally speaking whenever I've rented the landlord cannot just go into the house at will, but must give notice unless you have given permission or htere is n emergency. Rules about renting do vary depending on the state or territory and types of leases.

OK I've said all that because you may still be in shock and not aware of any rights (please excuse me if you have done these already). As for the landlord avoiding you, a natural reaction of some people after inflicting something unpleasant on another and not wanting to face them.

It does not mean you have done anything wrong at all!

You talked about the possibility of going back to your ex. I remember your account of your leaving him eight months ago and the degree of distress you were feeling. I would doubt he has changed and you may end up as before. The fact you are in the state of mind that you have a covert entry marker on your door is somethng shared by many who have been abused. 

Living in your car, especially with a dog whom I suspect might be quite a large one, really is almost  impossible beyond a few days.  Are there any other alternatives? I do remember you parents regarded your ex unfavorably -any hope there, or with friends or other family?

The only other thing I'd wish to say to you at the moment is you had the strenght to leave your abusive ex. Not everybody has that strenght, and I'm sure you will end up coping with this disaster.

Croix