The Tennessean reported yesterday about a nightmarish problem encountered by a homeowner who opted to rent rather than sell in a down market.  According to the newspaper, after renting the home,

Six months later the Higneys received a letter from the subdivision’s attorney telling them their 2,700-square-foot home was being used as a boarding house for 12-14 restaurant employees.

John Higney said he came back to Franklin to inspect the home on Brimstead Drive and was shocked by what he saw. The yard and landscaping appeared unkempt. Walls and partitions had been erected to turn the dining room and other open areas of the house into bedrooms. Deadbolt locks had been placed on interior doors. Bathrooms were labeled as “men’s” and “women’s” and a list of house rules written in Chinese was posted to a wall, according to Higney.

The renter claimed discrimination, but in the end the home owner regained possession of the home was awarded damages and legal fees.

Lesson learned … be careful when you rent.  Your home could be tied up in a legal nightmare if you don’t take steps to properly protect your property and interests.