How do I "fight" my landlord in court if I don't have the monetary resources as he does?

I used to work for my landlord and I was fired because he wanted to bring in his own people. We previously had "bad" vibes and because of this I went to Human Relations and filed a discrimination suit against the company. Fast forward to now, he has illegally raised my rent and is taking me to court over it. We went to court yesterday and the case was continued until the 12th. I am located in Baltimore City, MD. I also requested my files from the leasing office a few days after I was fired and my files have "disappeared". I don't know what to do and I don't know where to turn and I don't have money for a high priced lawyer. Can anyone help me?

Let me add that the reasons for going to Human Relations were all valid and that's why they are investigating now. It has nothing to do with me being fired and angry...that's not what happened so anyone who wants answer with those type of questions...please keep it moving. I have a serious situation that I need help with.

Disappearing files after you leave, hmm. Actually, this is very common. As far as proving discrimination against the company, good luck because it will simply "look" as reactionary to being fired. I am willing to bet that Maryland is a "right to work" state meaning that an employer can fire you for any reason except what is listed in the equal opportunity act (race religion gender, etc). I think your only success will be in proving that your rent was raised illegally and will also "look" reactionary by your landlord for being slapped with a discrimination suit. I assume it was illegal because you have a current lease guaranteeing your monthly rent right? If not, the landlord was within his rights to up the ante.

I defended myself in court against a dead beat landlord. Is it small claims court? IF so the judge will control the procedings and if you are prepared you won't need a lawyer. Make sure to place your request for records in writing, (keep a copy send certified) and get their response to the Records getting lost in writing.

Look up the laws in your city and state and do some research. The firing could be your ticket if you are not in a right to work state. The more info and background work you do, the more likely you are to get a lawyer if he smells money there. You could talk to you local labor board. You need to prove he is illegally raising your rent. It doesnt sound like a good situation but go to your local church and they may be able to help getting a lawyer for cheaper.....

Just because you are a minority you filed a discrimination suit just because your landlord wanted to hire someone else?

Honestly? People like you should go to jail.

Did you ever think they just didn't WANT you to work there and it had nothing to do with your skin color?

You have obviously pushed enough buttons to get yourself evicted. Thta is what happens to people who use an abuse a system that was created to protect them, not so you could scam others.

Congratulations! You'll be homeless soon!

Why the **** would you file a discrimination suit when he just wanted to bring in his own people? That makes absolutely no sense. Just because you are another color, you can't think people are discriminating against you just because something doesn't go your way. EVERYONE is doing this **** these days. You deserve it.

Your only hope now is to have character witness.....people that saw u with there own eyes working for this man,and are willing to testify in court for u.People that have seen your landlord pay u money etc......anything like that ..also yes get a written document and signrd stating all records are now missing.You don,t need a layer for court ...just be truthful.I agree with the other person ....leave racism alone....its old and worn out.IF your landlord doesn't like u ....its probably something you,ve said or done

go to your bank and get all ur stubs from ur checks, u deserve a copy of your lease, etc. the burden of proof is on you so do everythign in ur power to obtain these documents.

My god that is disgusting that your first thought was to file a discrimination suit. I am a landlord and every time I move to evict a person of color for a valid reason (ridiculously valid) they throw racial discrimination around. It's ******* sad...... nobody feels sorry for you and nobody owes you anything!!!