Rentwise! Chapter Three -- Relationships With Other Tenants

YOUR "DUTY" TO RESPECT OTHER TENANTS

In addition to paying rent on time, tenants are obliged to behave in a way that doesn't disturb other tenants. Chief complaints are about messy or noisy neighbors, unsupervised children, and pets. Implied in every lease agreement is the landlord's guarantee of "quiet enjoyment" to all his tenants. Therefore, when he gets complaints about loud parties or trouble-making kids, he may issue a 14 day warning notice to correct the situation or be evicted. (See Notice in Chapter 4).

DRUGS/FIGHTING: Recently apartment complexes and public housing developments added a "drug-free addendum" to their lease. This gives landlords broad power to evict immediately (3 to 5 days) with reasonable evidence of criminal activity by tenants or their guests. Criminal activity includes threats or acts of violence as well as drug use or sale. (See Notice in Chapter 4).

CHILDREN: Children are the main cause of complaints from--and disputes with--neighbors. Train them early to be respectful of property and of other tenants' right to "quiet enjoyment."

It is sad when parents are evicted (sometimes repeatedly) because of children who are violent, vandalize or steal. If this behavior becomes a pattern, the child should have a psychiatric evaluation and be considered for a group home. Evidence of gang activity (even if it's your own kid) should be reported to police, or you—the parent—will pay the price. Once evicted, it is extremely difficult to find another landlord willing to rent to you.

NOISE: Current noise-control law is hard to enforce because it requires police to measure decibel levels. However, if someone is fighting, screaming, or playing loud music between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., report it to police as a disturbance of the peace (misdemeanor), especially if the racket can be heard by many people. Other types of noise might be declared a nuisance by the Court if very loud and continuous; examples are machinery, dogs, motorcycles and trucks. Use a tape recorder or video-cam to gather evidence. Keep a diary with exact times of occurrence. Find others willing to go to court with you.

SLOBS: People who continuously create ungodly messes that other people have to look at are usually dysfunctional. They do not have normal feeling reactions to what they see before them. Many of these unfortunates will never leave the Cult of Ugliness because the desire for orderliness and beauty does not rise within them naturally. Overgrown lots and sagging fences reduce everyone's property values! Contact your Neighborhood Association for advice. The Better Housing Commission should be notified of people who leave debris piled on yard or porch, or who leave rusty junkers sitting in the street. Gentle reminders from City Inspectors will help the poor wretches wake up and do something.

MAKING COMPLAINTS: Many complaints arise simply because of age or lifestyle differences. Older people may go to bed early and be more fearful of activity in the parking lot. Children at play make some people nervous. Tolerance is essential, especially in an apartment complex! If close living keeps you on edge, consider a retirement center, or renting a duplex or house.

If another tenant regularly abuses your peace of mind, don't wait 'til you're furious to talk with them! You will have to compromise, so ask for the specific consideration most important to you ("Music off by 10 p.m.") as opposed to a general indictment ("You're too noisy!").

Try not to drag the landlord into personal disputes with neighbors! It is unfair to try to make her "choose sides." However, if you can prove another tenant is continuously "interfering" with your right to enjoy your rental—and you've really tried to work it out with them yourself—then, make a written complaint (be very specific) to management and keep a copy. If a pattern of disruptive behavior is documented over a period of time, the landlord may legally terminate the offender's lease or you may sue the landlord for breaching the contract.

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