AIBU for contacting a lawyer?

[NJE]

Hi,

some of you have might read my previous threads about the lady I live with and work for.

If not it might be helpful. Anyway I gave her my notice on Saturday after two years living together. It was not possibly for me anymore and I did everything I could. It was very hard for me to leave her daughter as we have become very close over the last two years. She wasn't happy but asked me if I could find her someone else. I did and then on Tuesday!!! a new girl moved in. She said don't worry you can stay as long as you find something else. This morning she texted me saying: You need to have your things in the van by 10am, C
I asked her if I could stay at least until Monday, only to get very nasty texts back in capital letters.

I didn't even know where to and I have LOTS of stuff. We have a contract. It says four weeks notice has to be given and I really expected her to let me work and stay until the end of the notice. Anyway luckily the family I work for on Thursdays has know offered me to live with them until I find a new job and a place to live.

I am ANGRY. The contract said four weeks notice etc.

DO you think I should contact a lawyer? I am not usually that kind of person but if that's her thanks after TWO years. I am very disappointed and angry. It's not like I have only one or two suitcases. We had to go twice with the van, I also have furniture.

AIBU?

What would you do?

AIBU to be offend my flatmates Hitler comments?

AIBU To be angry at mindees mum for not answering her phone

is she going to be paying you for the four weeks?

You wanted to leave and you are able to do so. You have found accommodation so it is not such a great upset. You could dig your heals in and stay the notice but I imagine that would be difficult for everyone all round.

Why line someone else's pocket?

if accommodation is part of the contract then she can't just kick you out. Is the other family putting you up for free? Are you likely to incur expenses - eg rent because of her kicking you out before the notice period? tbh it may be worth having a google to see what you can get in the way of an initial cheap or even free chat with a lawyer - if only to protect yourself/arm yourself should this end up costing you anything. It's an unpleasant way for things to come to an end. poor you.

blimey...just read the other threads...you definitely making the right decision.

I wanted to leave yes - after the four weeks I had to give notice. I got somewhere to stay in the LAST minute. I just think I deserve to be treated fair after all the things I have been through with her. Other people would have left a long time before me.

We have a proper tenancy agreement and contract. The rent was waived in exchange for working 10-12 hours a week for her.

If you have a contract then stay for the notice period. But it sounds as if you may be happier out of the house.

If you have a proper tenancy agreement you do not have to move out before the four weeks are up, she would have to get you out via eviction which will take longer.

Well I did have to go - I didn't have another choice. She went mental, called me names etc. I have written evidence that she wanted me to move out today and that there was no other choice.

Firstly, I am so very glad you are leaving this house. You have been insidiously bullied and insulted by this woman for too long.

Perhaps you need to threaten that you will go to a solicitor...but I really feel that you need to go as soon as you can, for your own welfare.

I think you will find your feet now, rediscover the self-esteem that has clearly been eroded by this odd set-up. You have not had the best of this situation and she now has another ill-paid slave to take your place.

Please don't look back - if she wants you to go she will have to pay you the four weeks she owes you.

Now your life begins. I wish you the very very best in your freedom.

In your position I would do more than leave - I think I would report this woman. She is clearly abusing her position as an 'employer'...there are laws to protect people against such treatment. She may well be nervous if you mention a solicitor....

I think in this case the law would probably regard you as a lodger which gives you much fewer rights than a normal tenant. She should still be bound by the contract though - but do you really want to stay there another four weeks given the circumstances?

She is a solicitor herself, she should know better but she thinks I am stupid because I don't have my degree yet :D

Personally I wouldn't waste any money on lawyers fees. To achieve what exactly?

And this woman is a lawyer herself so she'd no doubt 'out lawyer' you and cause you to run up huge bills without getting any results.

She's a nightmare and you are well shot of her. Move on & quickly. I hope you are much happier in your new job & home.

Perhaps taping a wrapped fish to the underside of her car seat would achieve more than a lawyer ever would & give you a little satisfaction?

You'd need to carefully think throguh what outcome you would hope to achieve. You haven't actually suffered financial loss for example and frankly wouldn't have wanted to stay for the 4 weeks had you already arranged somewhere else to go. She has obviously taken advantage of you over time as an unpaid aupair, without the regulatory contract or rights. you refer to her as a flatmate and her daughter as like a sister but tbh it does n't sound as if she has ever recprocated. Maybe you should just put it down to experience rather than pay a lawyer but let the cm know you aren't collected the daughter anymore in case her other arrangement falls through.