675: A Tenant, Psychotic, Makes Your Life Chaotic | Feedback Friday

Initial Problems

Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel Mizrahi discuss the troubling situation of a listener whose friend, initially a suitable tenant, experienced a severe psychotic break. This friend, a nurse, began exhibiting erratic behavior, including excessive marijuana use and benzodiazepine consumption, leading to delusions and paranoia. The listener's family felt unsafe, prompting them to seek medical help for her, but the situation escalated with repeated hospitalizations and false accusations against family members 1. Jordan advises that while there is a responsibility to help, it should not come at the cost of one's family's safety:

You have a responsibility to help this woman? Yes, but only up to a point. And I think you hit that point a long time ago.

--- Jordan Harbinger

The hosts emphasize the importance of setting boundaries to prevent enabling the friend's behavior 2.

   

Legal Challenges

The legal complexities of evicting a tenant with mental health issues are explored with insights from defense attorney Corbin Payne. Gabriel Mizrahi highlights the potential eviction challenges due to state laws requiring proper notice and opportunities for tenants to respond 3. Consulting a landlord-tenant attorney is recommended to navigate these legal waters, especially given the friend's ability to manipulate the system. Jordan underscores the need for legal guidance, suggesting that a restraining order might be necessary to ensure family safety:

Bottom line, connect the dots of the system. Then draw a hard boundary to protect yourself and your family.

--- Jordan Harbinger

The hosts also advise contacting mental health services and possibly involving the friend's family to ensure she receives the help she needs 4.