threat of lawsuit by landlord

[sweetappl2]

I wrote a review on apartment ratings.com and have recieved emails from various accounts threatening me that they are going to sue me because of my "defamatory comments, libel, and false reviews." I never actually lived there. Can an apartment complex do that? Isn't that protected by freedom of speech?

 

[Cvillecpm]

NO, it is not PROTECTED - and since you have no first hand knowledge, why did you publish FALSE information about the complex?

Remove your post ASAP and look up libel and slander.

 

[sweetappl2]

Okay I worded it a little wrong. I didn't just write it and not live there at all. I was a prospective tenant and I had the lease sent to me (after numerous calls asking where it was). I was in contact with the landlords for months and had so much difficulty. They did not lift a finger to help me really, but it was a last resort place and I was out of town. I was going to be subleasing for this girl, but once I saw the apartment, I left really quickly. They sent really nasty emails. Isn't it freedom of speech to leave negative ratings on a public website so others know what they are getting themselves into? They think I falsified everything, but in my opinion it was the truth! I said nothing of cursing or anything horrible, I only told that I felt they were difficult, there were a lot of fees, and that the walls and carpets were stained, etc.... Things like that, isn't that what that website is for or why

 

[sweetappl2]

Okay I worded it a little wrong. I didn't just write it and not live there at all. I was a prospective tenant and I had the lease sent to me (after numerous calls asking where it was). I was in contact with the landlords for months and had so much difficulty. They did not lift a finger to help me really, but it was a last resort place and I was out of town. I was going to be subleasing for this girl, but once I saw the apartment, I left really quickly. They sent really nasty emails. Isn't it freedom of speech to leave negative ratings on a public website so others know what they are getting themselves into? They think I falsified everything, but in my opinion it was the truth! I said nothing of cursing or anything horrible, I only told that I felt they were difficult, there were a lot of stupid extra fees, and that the walls and carpets were stained, etc.... Things like that, isn't that what that website is for or why would it be running?

 

[sweetappl2]

The emails that were sent had a lot of false info too. Like they said they never sent me the lease even though it is sitting in my trash can. They sent legal notices and I don't even think it was from an actual lawyer because it was a hotmail account? Or that I interfered with their holidays (i never called them on a holiday) and that I was so needy (well I need an apartment duh! and you aren't helping!) What is the deal??

 

[sweetappl2]

I dont know what to do. I keep getting threatening and harassing emails from them. I got another one today. I am not responding to these at all yet this is the fourth one they've sent me!!