LEWISTON, Maine — A sign posted by a landlord publicly insinuating a tenant was a prostitute was illegal, the Maine Human Rights Commission decided unanimously on Monday.
The landlord posted the sign after tenant Amanda Turcotte posted several signs asking her landlord not to enter her Lewiston apartment after she and her landlord, Roland Bisson, butted heads over the apartment, according to the Maine Human Rights Commission investigator’s report.
Turcotte had complained about water pressure, water temperature and a ratlike smell in the apartment, the report stated, and she posted signs that told Bisson to stay out of her apartment unless he had given her 24 hours’ notice.
Bisson made his own sign and hung it above Turcotte’s door in November 2011. It read: “Attentional all Johns Property under surveillance NO PROSTITUTION.”
“The purpose for the sign was to stop all the traffic coming onto the property and parking in front of the barn, which is not permitted. Turcotte has had a large amount of male visitors and traffic in and out of her apartment since she moved in,” Bisson wrote to the Human Rights Commission.
Turcotte rebutted by saying “she is not a prostitute. She does not have a boyfriend. Her son’s father, to whom she is still married, stops by often to see their son” as do many of her friends and family members.
She also said the sign left her humiliated. Several of her friends and family members drove by the sign and called Turcotte to ask her about it.
“She was extremely upset. That night, she had a panic attack and couldn’t sleep at all. The next morning, she went to her doctor and was treated with medication for her anxiety and panic,” the commission’s investigator wrote.
The sign was taken down after a day.
In the human rights panel’s filings, Bisson defended his stance that Turcotte was a prostitute by saying both a tenant and Bisson’s wife, who works near the apartment, saw many cars come and go. He also stated that Turcotte answered the door for one of his plumbers while wearing nothing but a towel, which Turcotte denied in the commission documents. Finally, he wrote that on another occasion his employee tried to clean the apartment area but Turcotte was making “loud erotic noises” that made the employee uncomfortable. Turcotte told the panel that she had been doing tae bo, an aerobic exercise.
The commission documents said the tenant and landlord also had disputes about Turcotte leaving windows open when the heat was set at 100 degrees, which she told the commission she did to aggravate Bisson. They also argued about the number of cars in the tenant parking lot and how those cars were parked.
The vote was 4-0 that there were reasonable grounds that Turcotte was subjected to sexual harassment in housing.
A coworker just looked at me cross eyed, I think I will sue my boss!
SUE EVERYONE!
I’ll do more then look at you cross eyed!!! :-p
So you think it was OK for the landlord to defame this woman?
No, but I also don’t think it’s right that every time someone gets a hair sideways or feels wronged they file a lawsuit.
Now the floodgates are open for all you bleeding hearts to have a field day.
This wasn’t a lawsuit, it was HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION meeting!
I find it curious that someone thinks it’s not OK for the woman to stick up for her rights against someone who was violating the law. Very sad.
Wow, buddy, you just proved to the world how ignorant you really are. This has nothing to do with “bleeding hearts” and everything to do with human decency. Clearly you, and the landlord, missed the memo. He’s lucky she ONLY filed a HRC complaint.
…to date. I hope that Turcotte sues; and wins big.
It might send a “message” to the slimebag landlords in Maine–esp. in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
If you do not like your rent (that someone else owns) Move liberals believe everything of someone else’s belong to them.Obamas great you owe me society.
>>>>
What? How is this political?
That’s ridiculous.
A man who has both feet planted firmly in the air can be safely called a liberal as opposed to the conservative, who has both feet firmly planted in his mouth.
Going to the Maine Human Rights Commission is not a lawsuit. MHRC ‘s mission is to investigate and determine the validity of a human rights claim. It works both ways: if MHRC decided that it was not an illegal action, then the validity of a subsequent lawsuit is highly questioned by the courts.
What in your learned opinion would have been the correct thing for the tenant to do?
redact
Take the sign down, bring it back to the landlord, rip ti up in his face and tell him “I’m not a prostitute,” demand an apology, and advise if it happens again, it goes to the Maine Human Rights Commission. Give him one chance to cease and desist, THEN file the complaint.
MOVE!!!!!!!!
A complaint to the Maine Human Rights Commission is not a lawsuit.
Your ignorance of Maine law is simply astounding!
http://www.state.me.us/mhrc/file_a_charge/housing_intake_form.htm
maine has way too many old law’s on the books
“laws”
I think it’s humorous as hell! And it got his point across quickly and easily. Great idea Mr. Bisson.
>>>>
If you noticed, the Commission recommended that the landlord settles out of court…..which means……ahh, no way are they gonna win, and if they don’t settle, then it could cost them more….like court fees, lawyer expenses, and punitive penalty’s…….
I would……he hung a freakin sign on her door!!! How would you like it if someone hung a sign on YOUR door insinuating something, that may, or may not be their business. What would happen if the landlord came to her, thinking what he posted on the door was correct and we all found out…..that HE was there? looking for a little somthin somthin from his tenant?…… Landlord is gonna pay, in more ways than one.
There’s always humor in creeps owning substandard housing, and renting to people who barely make the rent, and asking for other means of payment………it’s not new
>>>>
So if someone has a beef with your mother, sister, wife or daughter you would find it perfectly acceptable, funny even, if they publicly label your loved one as a prostitute?
I feel really sorry for any women in your life.
So, Ed, would you think it funny if I posted a sign outside of your home or in public calling you, oh, say a drug dealer? Probably not.
And just what was the landlord’s point? The law does require 24-hour notice before a landlord can enter a tenant’s apartment, unless there is an emergency.
If by “great idea,” you meant, “minumentally stupid act that leads to a cash payout,” then I agree.
Yes, so classy.
Low classy, that is.
Even if he had proof that she was hooking, you can’t just hang a sign like that above a tenant’s door! Since he had no actual proof other than the fact that she has many visitors, she has every right to feel violated. There is nothing illegal about having a lot of guests, suspicious sure, but not illegal.
My question is how did the sign stay up all night? Sorry, but I would have ripped that sign down myself.
It was probably tacked up when Turcotte was asleep–or she might have been listening to TV or to music.
I hope she had the sense to remove it, and to keep it inside her apartment for evidence (I certainly would)!
I learned years ago to never allow a landlord inside my unit, unless it was an emergency (heat or hot water–both of which are repaired *outside* of my living space).
I email (have it writing); and leave a voice mail instead.
They’re too damned invasive and potentially slimy.
One slipped with a comment to the effect that I “had too many clothes,” and that was *all* I needed to shut them off.
I only open the door a few inches to talk. Idiots.
None of their blasted business, re: my personal belongings. I *demand* privacy (as long as I’m renting, and not violating laws or creating a disturbance, it’s my “space”)!
“She also said the sign left her humiliated. Several of her friends and family members drove by the sign and called Turcotte to ask her about it.”
Obviously she was aware of it (not asleep or listening to loud music) since “several”people called her about it. If THAT is true why did she not take the sign down after the first “friend or family member” called her, being so humiliated and all. There is obviously much more to this story.
She does not own the building.If she has a beef with the owner move.
With all due respect, Jack, if this was your daughter, wife or mother, you’d be talking to a lawyer, and we all know it. And if not, I feel bad for the women in your family if you think this is something that is alright to do.
Not every lawsuit is about money.
Landlord would be *very* wise to settle out of court ASAP w/Turcotte.
Defamation of character, pain and emotional anguish|duress, sexual harassment, libel, retaliation, & illegal entry, etc..
It’s none of his business who she has for company; and he is NOT allowed to enter her apartment (sans informed consent–must give 24 hr. notice, unless it’s an emergency).
Hmm..I wonder how much they get for a little “tae bo” these days?
Maybe, but this one is.
Watch out Jack or the Polite Police will be knocking on your door next.
ha, ha ha….”the polite police” …..that’s rich! Do you think that? How about if your daughter’s landord hung that shingle on her door?…..would the “polite police” help you out anymore?
Definition of open mouth, insert foot: It’s what happens when you have the maturity level of a 13 year old.
“cross-eyed”
I take offense to that comment. I am actually cross-eyed. I think I’ll sue you
There are plenty of places that could use that sign……He just picked the wrong one.
What he did was old school and can’t be done today. If he believed she was hooking, all he has to do is record plate #s, times of visitation, etc. for some backup to the claim. He just needs to have some kind of proof to his allegations.
Not sure how recording license plates proves anything. My sister in law and brother have guests over all the time. We visit every Sunday, her parents visit 2-3 times a week, her sister comes over 3-4 days a week and then there are other family and friends that stop in at less frequent intervals. It doesn’t mean they are hooking lol.
Those can be easily be dismissed as family /friends. Besides, your brother and family have various people over at all times? Fine and normal.
We’re talking a single person here, and besides, I only gave a suggestion….
Right, single people can’t have various friends over at all times. Glad you informed me. By the way, who died and made you the rule maker?
LIKE I SAID, Document everything before you start a brouhaha!!
I DID NOT INFORM YOU of any thing. It was a reply to Serendipity of how a lawyer can explain it away anyway!
Don’t be so CRANKY and read with comprehension the whole thread before hitting the reply button. Oftentimes you do; this isn’t one of them.
Odd how a mere suggestion can be twisted into a “rule”!
…..and I’m assuming that no one is accusing your sister in law of being a prostitute, because she probably isn’t. When you live next to someone you have a pretty good idea what is going on, I’m there was at least a bit of truth to it, it didn’t come out of nowhere. Sue worthy? I don’t think so, if she doesn’t like her landlord she should move out.
“When you live next to someone you have a pretty good idea what is going on…”
Uh, I’ve had neighbors automatically assume that my sister is my ex-wife or ex-girlfriend and that my nephew is my kid.
… or, he could have called the police. But I guess a phone call is so much more work than nailing a sign over her door.
>>>>
I hope that Turcotte *kept* said “sign” as evidence!
If the landlord had been able to buy that sign at a hardware store, Lewiston would have a bigger problem than this one fool.
So what does this landlord get for a punishment? Any fines etc…
So what will the Human Rights Commission give him for a punishment?
They have no power to punish anyone. This decision clears the way for court action if parties can not come to some settlement.
Make him read all their bleeding heart complaints aloud. That would be cruel and unusual punishment.
a law suit
It gives Turcotte permission to file a civil action (MHRC doesn’t do it).
The statutes pertaining to tenants rights are readily available via Google–nobody can claim that they “aren’t aware of them.”
http://www.ptla.org has an excellent subportal pertaining to said topic.
an it also says he can be fined to
Landlords love to feign ignorance. (And keep security deposits!)
Lets see:
A landlord in Lewiston (last month) gets in trouble because he did not stop tenants from “bullying” another tenant. and now this land lord attempts to correct a problem on HIS property and the human rights commission rules against him.
Sounds like damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Glad I no longer have rental property where life is as it should be.
Can my landlord come into my apartment or house at any time?
No. If your landlord wants to come into your home to make non-emergency repairs, or to show or inspect the apartment, she must give you “reasonable notice.” Normally, this means at least 24 hours notice.
.pdf version
Your landlord can come in only at “reasonable times.” Generally, this means during the daytime or evening, not in the middle of the night. There may be other factors that make certain times “unreasonable” for you.
Exception: If there is an emergency, your landlord can enter after a shorter notice or without notice. For example, the pipes burst or there is a fire in your apartment.
…and this is relevant to my post? Please explain how posting a sign OUTSIDE this woman’s apartment violated any of what you wrote.. Some which does not apply in Maine.
Because he is slandering his tenant.
You didn’t get that? I know you will find this stunning, but women who are not prostitutes do not appreciate being called prostitutes. Try it out on some non-prostitute female acquaintances and report back your findings. ;)
What was the “problem” he was attempting to fix?
… this should be good …
Sounds like this landlord was trying to get into that apartment anytime he pleased. What were his intentions if he wasn’t planning to fix the water pressure, water temperature, and the rat smells?
Last time I checked, which was several years ago, a landlord is required to give 24 hr notice whenever he enters and appartment. She was only asking him to comply with the law.
Proving once again—Lewiston—the armpit of Maine.
Coming from someone who has probably never been to Lewiston. I don’t know whether to tell you to get a life or get a job.
Wonder how the MHRC would have voted if a business owner had complained to them about that awful mural.
When you have personal problems with people, it’s always best not to malign them publicly.
Esp. when receiving federal and state revenue streams (after you’ve signed multiple waivers and contracts).
Libel (esp. in the public sphere) highly illegal!
Turcotte is allowed to walk around buck nikkid (if she wishes)in her apartment any freakin’ time she wishes.
Landlords must give 24 hr. notice before entering a unit, unless it’s an emergency. You don’t just show up unannounced.
The same is true with plumbers or any related repair persons: what day & time would they arrive; and is it O.K. with the tenant?
Turcotte can walk away with some $$$, if she holds firm.
I for one, hope she does walk away with as much as she can get from this slimy SOB!
The
Maine Human Rights Commission has no responsibility to be right like a court, they can rule as they feel…
That is 100% true…. and very un-American. They can rule as they feel without any facts at all.
Please educate yourself before posting such nonsense in the future.
You have no idea what you are talking about.
You know, the rules and procdures of the MHRC are public:
http://www.maine.gov/mhrc/laws/index.htm
You did know that, right? You didn’t? How embarrassing for you.
You’re welcome.
I wasn’t a court of law….Now that Amanda Turcotte’s name is all over the papers, What landlord in Maine would rent to her???
Ever heard of Google; and Maine State Statutes (public record)?
Good grief.
Any landlord who would NOT rent to Turcotte would also be held liable (housing discrimination).
http://www.state.me.us/mhrc/laws/index.htm
That is simply untrue. Landlords still have some say on who gets to rent their property. Well versed landlords can ALWAYS use a legitimate reason why they refuse to rent… for instance they can say it is their policy not to rent to anyone with a credit score below 750, or they can refuse to rent to someone with poor references from a previous landlord… looks like that wouldn’t be a problem here.
Yep.
So much easier to just tell someone “sorry I’ve rented to someone else”
You seem confused.
No word in the story whether the tenant kept current on the rent.
I would never trust any decision made by the Maine Human Rights Commission. I feel the lack of investigation done by thier investigator leaves thier decisions suspect. No one’s rights are protected if the information given and accepted by the commission is not complete. I have no opinion of this case but would hope that all rights of all people would be respected & protected by our Maine Human Rights Commission. Sadly, I feel this is not the case in our state.
ive had a couple tennants on my property.when they get behind or cant pay,they get mad if you ask them when they can pay and get a free lawyer and take you to court.i shut my rents down.let em live in a box under a bridge
I saw a bunch of men going in and out of Church this weekend. I had better put up a sign saying it is a brothel.
Roland Bisson should get out of the rental business. He clearly doesn’t have the mental toughness to run a business like this.
Don’t you mean mental toughness?
Thanks :)
I don’t know what a “ratlike smell” is, but I’m guessing that Mr. Bisson will be writing Ms. Turcotte a substantial check in short order.
This story just confirms the wisdom of “Never be a landlord.”
omg u r not allowed 2 have male friends or male family members and she was only in a towel mmm maybe she just got out of the and all the traffic maybe some were seeing other neighbors
This is one of the most ignorant moves a land lord can make. Being a former one myself I can say he does not represent normal thinking.
There are many “Slumlords” that need to be taken down a peg. These types of landlords need to have their buildings taken away by the city or town. They feed off of the misfortunes of others. In Bangor I’ve had (with heat, water, elec included in the rent) my electricity disconnected forcing me to put it in my name, my hot water heater disconnected at the circuit breaker panel, personal property stolen, repair requests ignored, landlord walking into my locked bedroom with no notice to mention a few. All this from one landlord. Try and get help with these situations? Ha! The laws are on the books but just try and get anything done. It’s the luck of the draw. NO Justice for tenants in Maine, not unless your real lucky or have a deep pocket book. This landlord has been reported multiple times but still continues to rent and harrass their (husband & wife team) tenants. Code enforcement demanded that they repair their slums but they still continue to rent apartments (just one example) without smoke detectors. The police have been called multiple times. PineTree Legal has been involved. Yet these landlords still flourish. I can only hope that one day these landlords mess with the wrong person(s) and get what they have deserved for a long time! They even moved their teenage to early 20’s sons into the next apartment and told them to harass us by pounding on the walls all night long. Great parents! How proud you must be. Rent A Center isn’t impressed that they won’t pay for or return their property.
The landlord sounds like a pig.
I have apartment houses and anyone who lets a tenant get under their skin like that should not be in the business. What he did was so wrong. I find it interesting that she admitted that she put the heat on 100 and opened the windows to get back at him but there is no redress or even reprimand for that!
Clearly this landlord made a bad, bad decision. But I cringe at the thought of this being a legal issue. The evidence, and her own testimony, proves she is a nasty tenant. At the end of the day, he owns the property, and the sign simply reiterated a state law.
Student, you’re going to want to look up harrassment laws. Landlords cannot post signs over their tenants’ doors accusing them of prostitution. If you need any further direction, I respectfully direct you to the recent case of Turcotte v. Bisson before the MHRC.
Landlords cannot enter an apartment unless there is 24 hour notice.
“Except in the case of emergency or if it is impractical to do so, the landlord should give the tenant
reasonable notice of an intent to enter and shall enter only at reasonable times. Twenty-four (24) hours
is presumed to be reasonable notice. The landlord is allowed to enter the rental unit in order to make
necessary repairs, alterations or improvements. If the landlord makes an illegal or unauthorized entry
which has the effect of harassing the tenant, the tenant can recover actual damages or $100 whichever
is greater, obtain an injunction, and his reasonable attorneys‟ fees.”
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=27933&an=1
http://www.ptla.org/sites/ptla.org/files/tenants.pdf