Peg - you didn't expressly say, but I get the feeling that you are a renter and the owner sold during your tenency. If you have a written lease agreement, you should first look at that. Then a trip to the local law library. In most states, there are several "self-help" options. Call the clerk of the local small claims or county court. They deal with these things fairly often and usually have booklets of pertinent forms, etc. If you haven't the time or interest in doing the leg work yourself, by all means hire an attorney. In many jurisdictions, the bad actor is liable for your attorney's fees. Nobody can make you a doormat unless you let them.