Use this letter when your landlord engages in a pattern of harassing behavior. This includes repeated unauthorized entry, threats or intimidation, service disruptions (shutting off utilities), retaliation for exercising legal rights (like requesting repairs or filing complaints), and any conduct designed to pressure you into leaving. A formal written complaint creates a critical paper trail that strengthens any future legal claim and often causes the behavior to stop.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [YOUR_CITY], [YOUR_STATE] [YOUR_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [PROPERTY_MANAGEMENT_COMPANY] (if applicable) [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY], [LANDLORD_STATE] [LANDLORD_ZIP] Re: Formal Complaint Regarding Harassment Rental Unit: [UNIT_ADDRESS], Unit [UNIT_NUMBER], [CITY], [STATE] [ZIP] Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I am writing to formally document and request an immediate end to a pattern of behavior that constitutes landlord harassment under [STATE] law. The following incidents have occurred: [DATE_1]: [DESCRIPTION — e.g., "You entered my apartment without providing the required [24/48]-hour written notice under [STATE] [STATUTE]. I was not home at the time and discovered evidence of entry upon my return."] [DATE_2]: [DESCRIPTION — e.g., "You made a verbal threat to 'make my life difficult' if I continued to request repairs to the broken heating system, which I have a legal right to do."] [DATE_3]: [DESCRIPTION — e.g., "Building maintenance was instructed to shut off hot water to my unit for [HOURS] hours with no advance notice and no emergency justification."] [DATE_4]: [DESCRIPTION — e.g., "You told me you would not renew my lease because I filed a complaint with the city housing inspector on [DATE]. This constitutes illegal retaliation under [STATE] [STATUTE]."] Under [STATE] law, the following actions constitute landlord harassment: - Entering a tenant's unit without proper notice except in emergencies - Threatening or intimidating a tenant - Disrupting essential services (heat, water, electricity) - Retaliating against a tenant for exercising their legal rights - Engaging in a pattern of conduct intended to force a tenant to vacate I demand that all harassing behavior cease immediately. I am documenting every incident with dates, times, photographs, and witness statements where applicable. If this behavior continues, I will: 1. File a complaint with the [LOCAL_HOUSING_AUTHORITY/TENANT_RIGHTS_ORGANIZATION] 2. Report the matter to the [LOCAL_POLICE] if warranted 3. Pursue all legal remedies available to me under [STATE] law, which may include lease termination without penalty, monetary damages, and injunctive relief 4. Contact a tenant rights attorney Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm that the behavior described above will stop. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] cc: [LOCAL_TENANT_RIGHTS_ORGANIZATION] (optional)
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Document every incident of harassment meticulously — dates, times, what happened, any witnesses, and photos or recordings if legally permitted in your state.
Be specific and factual in your descriptions. Avoid emotional language and focus on what happened, when, and how it violates the law.
Reference specific state statutes where possible — this shows the landlord you know your rights.
Check your state's recording consent laws before recording conversations with your landlord (some states require two-party consent).
Consider sending a copy (cc) to a local tenant rights organization to put additional pressure on the landlord.
Send via certified mail with return receipt, and keep a copy plus all supporting documentation.
If you feel physically unsafe, contact the police first and consider seeking a restraining order before sending this letter.
Save all text messages, emails, and voicemails from your landlord as evidence.
Upload your lease and Honestkey™ will generate a personalized letter based on your specific situation and state laws.
Upload Your LeaseNo credit card required
Start today — your first scan is free and takes about a minute. No credit card.