We live in the central unit of a block of three townhouses. Our neighbor gets very drunk and passes out and sleeps through his smoke alarms.
One time, he left a cigarette burning and the fire department had to come out and our house started to fill with smoke. The most recent occurence involved a toaster oven and two very burnt pieces of toast. We had to bang on the door and call him multiple times to wake him up.
We are about to have our first baby and my wife is scared. What the heck are we supposed to do? And don't just say, "Move."
Thanks.
2006-10-23 16:22:56 · 16 answers · asked by irv1972 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Thanks for the answers so far... just to clarify:
We own our townhome and he owns his. He has been there for about 20 years, us for 4.
He is a very nice guy, very approachable. He is pretty alone and rarely has guests.
There is nothing nefarious going on... no meth lab, no nothing. Just a guy who comes home from hanging plaster and gets very intoxicated...
Thanks for the help thus far.
2006-10-24 01:04:40 · update #1
Is there a homeowners or neighborhood association? You MUST do something to insure your and your family's safety.
How approachable is he when sober? How about if you offer to buy and install a smoke detector for him? Can you get one with a remote to also go off in your home?
If I were in your shoes, I would go to the nearest fire station and pose this question to them, as they are well versed in what the laws, municipal and state are regarding this dangerous situation.
Is he the owner of the townhome? Does he have relatives you can enlist to help/intervene? Pull out all the stops and don't give up until the situation is satisfactorily resolved.
Best wishes on the little one.
2006-10-23 16:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by finaldx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your landlord that the lack of peace of mind and safety is grounds to terminate the lease. Report the act of "assault" on your well being to the police in writing. Once they get that they are obligated to take action. In the event of a fire at a later time they can be held liable in court for not doing all they could have done to protect you and your family. It's the law that they become "culpable" when you tell them in writing of your fear, keep a copy for your Lawyer. Also keep a written record of all such things.
2006-10-23 16:35:00 · answer #2 · answered by jl_jack09 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OmG how dangerous especialy for a baby in there please report them to the police or the agency of the apartments Ur childs life is the most imporatnt thing and should be protected sorry u said dont say move but that is really the best thing to do u never know what can happen next
2006-10-23 16:25:36 · answer #3 · answered by Femme Fatale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think you have laws and rights to protect yourself. Your neighbor is endangering the life of you and your family. I would check directly with your local police to see if you can make a charge against him. If this procedure moves too slowly, then check with an attorney or legal aid to see what type of civil suit you can file. If you don't own your property, check with the property owner regarding filing charges against him. If the owner does not do something to evict this person, then the owner is putting himself in danger of not only his property being destroyed, but being sued by his tenants.
2006-10-23 16:34:35 · answer #4 · answered by danaluana 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My moms and dads nevertheless stay a similar residing house they offered in 1966. they are going to not in any respect flow. i'm the option, I left residing house at 20 in 1987 and function lived in about 20 homes when you consider that then. some were temporary yet about 11 were 'everlasting'. i have been in this one for 13 months and that i really like it yet will probable ought to flow next January.
2016-12-05 04:07:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insure everything. Document the fires. Call 911 or the fire department everytime there is a problem. Sue him in civil court.
2006-10-23 16:28:01 · answer #6 · answered by rjf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell him to move his Meth Lab somewhere else! And like the friar said but, put in automatic 4" water lines aimed at his place!!!!!!!
2006-10-23 17:09:54 · answer #7 · answered by brhntr51 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep a hose hooked up and buy some fire extinguishers. Make sure you have insurance. Good Luck.
2006-10-23 16:26:28 · answer #8 · answered by us5we2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What can you do??
Move is a very good choice
Put in more smoke detectors in your home. test them every week.
Add a sprinkler system to your area
add some air maks for emergancy escape
if you have a second floor, have a esacpe ladder available.
2006-10-23 16:34:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
See if you can have him arrested for reckless endangerment. In CT, there is a law called risk of injury to a minor.
2006-10-23 16:26:18 · answer #10 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋