I just got off the phone with a friend who was so angry she was shaking. For some reason, one of the staff members of the property management office dislikes her. The worker lives in her building and glares at my friend any time their paths cross.
The officer worker has recently taken her disdain for my friend to a new level. Last week she sent her a “comply” letter stating she had to clean up the cigarette butts on the ground behind her balcony or be fined $25. My friend – a neat freak – quit smoking two weeks ago and even when she did smoke, she used ashtrays. But to be cooperative, she cleaned up the butts anyway. After she cleaned, she walked around the complex and saw about three thousand more outside of every building in the apartment complex.
Then today she received another letting informing her that the only “allowed” items on balconies are chairs and “lush” plants. My friend has two chairs and two plants on her balcony, while others have exercise equipment, holiday flags, tables, and other items. My friend again walked around and not a single other door had the “notification letter” that she had received.
Clearly she has been targeted and is being harassed. Besides withholding maintenance work, a landlord may make verbal and written complaints of tenant’s supposed improper conduct.
She needs to understand that she does have rights as a tenant. First and foremost, the tenant should talk with the office to discuss the problem. Open communication is always helpful in any misunderstanding. If, however, no progress is made, a tenant can file a complaint to the police about being harassed to establish a “pattern” of harassment should the landlord continue to hassle or if the office worker steps up and threatens to evict.
If the harassment goes to that level, consult an attorney or the Consumer Protection Agency for help.
Meanwhile, keep the apartment clean, pay your rent on time and give them no reason to pester you!
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