somebloke wrote:
I have the money to go after him, I have the motivation, but I don't have the time.
FWIW, I had asked around about the house and the previous housemates. I heard only positive feedback. I did my homework, and still got screwed over. Shitty situation.
If you've got the cash to involve lawyers, just move on. Hide a few fish and shrimp in the house before you go, maybe some birdseed in the attic (don't actually do any of that). There's no way it's worth your time to battle him in court.
Did you ask him for your money back? Where I live, landlords must register their properties, get permits and follow a whole list of codes. Maybe you can track down some of that info and use it to get your money back. And surely your rent payments count as income to the IRS. Mortgage rules are also different in the bank's eyes if this isn't his primary residence.