Courtney Love Denies Falling Behind on Rent, Causing Fire Damage to Townhouse

We've never personally fallen behind in rent, but we'd figure our landlord would know if and when that happened. That's why we're pretty puzzled about Courtney Love's latest legal fracas, in which she allegedly faces eviction from her New York City townhouse over failing to pay her $27,000-a-month rent, causing damage after setting fire to her curtains and redecorating without permission.

On Thursday, Dec. 15, the New York Post reported that Donna Lyon, the townhouse's owner, is suing the Hole rocker for $54,000 because of the aforementioned allegations. Now, Love has responded, saying it's just not true.

"I haven't fallen behind on the rent -- I have been paying month to month as agreed," Love told the Post. "My rent is current, but the owner is now asking for the remaining two months' upfront. Even though it's not required, I'd happily pay that and another six months' rent upfront if she would extend the lease for six months. I have repainted, but I asked permission, and used a painter approved by the owner."

Love did cop to the fire, which she says was due to a small candle and was quickly put out by the FDNY. The fact that the blaze required the fire department's help to extinguish it without causing any damage seems a bit fishy, but we have no idea what really happened (That's something we say for pretty much every story involving Courtney). At the time, an FDNY spokesperson confirmed that the fire took place and that Love burned her hands, for which she refused medical treatment.

As of now, the rent issue will be heard in court on Dec. 21, and Love has until Feb. 14 to undo her alterations on the house. We're sure we'll have more to report on that and whatever other trouble Courtney gets into.