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February 15, 2008
Iraq Vet Comes Home and Gets Evicted
Iraq Vet Comes Home, Gets Evicted
Couple Asks Property Manager To Add Husband Onto Wife's Lease
OMAHA, Neb
A Nebraska National Guard soldier recently back from Iraq is fighting an eviction notice from his landlord.
Trista Jelinek rented an apartment at Villa Vinee, near 78th and Harney streets, in August.
The couple has spent most of their marriage apart as Tommy Jelinek served in the military.
I was looking for an apartment, and I say straight up, 'My husband is in Iraq. He'll be living with me when he comes back in October,'" Trista Jelinek said. "They at no time said, 'Hey, if your husband doesn't qualify for an application, he can't live here."
When Tommy Jelinek returned from Iraq in October, he said he introduced himself to apartment management and moved in with his wife.
"They gave me the key," said Tommy Jelinek. "They gave me the parking pass, said, 'Welcome back,' and at that point we figured we'd done everything to let them know the situation."
Last month, Villa Vinee informed Tommy Jelinek that he must apply to be on the lease. He did. But when a credit check came back showing delinquent debt, Jelinek was denied a lease.
Management sent Trista Jelinek a notice warning her of an unauthorized resident living in her apartment, and said she must rectify and remedy the breach. In other words, the wife was welcome to stay, but the husband must go. If not, Trista Jelinek would be evicted.
"Give me a break," said the couple's attorney Richard Dinsmore. "They pay their rent. They're model citizens. He serves in Iraq, and this is the welcome home you get back?"
Dinsmore said that Tommy Jelinek was unable to pay some medical bills while overseas, but said that most of that debt has been paid off. Dinsdale filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the eviction and a judge granted it.
"As we said in the petition, to require a wife to evict her husband after they've been separated for 18 months is humiliating. It's debasing. It's unconscionable, and some other words I can't come up with," Dinsmore said.
The couple said they hopes they can settle the matter out of court.
"We definitely feel obligated to fight this, because we believe we are truly in the right, and were up-front with these guys," said Tommy Jelinek. "We just want to be treated fairly."
The attorney for Villa Vinee property manager Robert Hancock and Co. said the company's leasing policies are based on fair housing laws. She said the property is reviewing the policies to make sure they meet intentions. She said the property manager is hopeful it can reach a resolution in the best interest of both the Jelineks and Robert Hancock and Co.
If not, a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Wild Thing's comment........
If a person truly support our troops I think they should work with this couple after all they have paid their rent on time like it says. It is bad enough that Vets and our active duty troops even have to pay any of their medical bills. They should have complete care and coverage after all they have done for all of us and for our country.
....Thank you Lynn for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at February 15, 2008 12:44 AM
Comments
Isn't that sad? I can't believe it's coming down to your credit when renting an apartment. I could see if they were buying a house, but come on, this is an apartment for crying out loud.
So you turn away families with poor credit because they are families. Where are they suppose to go? A homeless shelter?
Posted by: Lynn at February 15, 2008 05:22 AM
I have lived in apartments for many years. Yes, they have become very restrictive in their leasing process. They even tow cars that have an outdated inspection sticker.
However, this situation is a bit beyond the norm. The leasing company needs to back off and let this Iraqi vet live with his wife in peace.
Posted by: TomR at February 15, 2008 08:01 AM
Lynn I agree it is sad and should never happen like this. It is so obvious they are doing this I think because of his being in the service and have a way to make problems for this couple. It is horrible!
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 15, 2008 07:29 PM
Tom I think so too, please oh please just leave this couple alone.
That is strict, the last apt. I lived had a few rules too but nothing like it is today.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 15, 2008 07:34 PM
