There has been a crime wave at the Apt. complex where I live. There has been at least 2 cars stolen at gun point, and child has been abducktted and a man that goses in to home naked has been reported. My girlfiend is pregnant and she has a two yearold as well. Whem my kids go on the weekends its a full house, so I find my self in a full house. Making us a target for something to happen. There has not been any extra mesures taken to better the securty in the complex, and there has been no news crews out there as well. So what can i due to get out there as soon as I can?
2006-10-26 07:09:36 · 6 answers · asked by marine_arty155 2 in Local Businesses ➔ United States ➔ Dallas
First of all, read over your lease. Often times there is a clause that allows you to leave under circumstances concerning the welfare of your family. If so, then just up and leave letting them know why.
The second might be to file a grievance with the city. If the city agrees with your reasoning, they can grant you permission to break the lease legally.
File a grievance with the complex. Check your city and state laws. Where i live, if i file a legitimate grievance and the apartment complex doesn't take reasonable measures to correct the problem within thirty days, then i have the legal authority to leave. In this case, they would have to step up the security.
The last option really depends on your financial situation, but you could pay to break the lease early. Unfortunately this often involves two months rent on top of anything you have to pay for your new place.
Is there any family that you could have at least the little one and your girlfriend stay with in the mean time?
I hope this helps.
K. W.
2006-10-26 07:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by uncletoon2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not the property owner's job to police the neighborhood. Look at it from his point of view: why should he give up revenue? He didn't ask for the crime. It's NOT his job to pay for extra police or call in news crews. The news media also won't just come if you call them... there's got to be a good story there.
Why don't you take personal responsibility for the changes? Work *with* management to improve things. Maybe they'll help you organize a tenant meeting, and there you can set up a neighborhood watch program. Talk to the police dept to learn how neighborhood watch works. Find out who else in the neighborhoold is as bothered as you and make them into building Captains to really watch over things.
Maybe you can work with management to make the place a little less easy for crime? For example pass around a petition the tenants all sign that ask for replacement of burned out bulbs along the streets and maybe a few more security ligths? Suggest cutting back overgrown bushes along buildings. Again ask the police dept for suggestions on making a place less inviting to crimminals.
My guess is that there are probably a few problem tenants in the complex... most likely involving drug use or sales. If you can figure out who's drawing in the bad people, you can work to put extra survelliance on their apartment, push to get someone arrested, or ask management to consider not renewing their lease.
Moving doesn't solve anything. If you're on a budget, you'll end up moving to a similar type (income bracket, culture, atmosphere) apartment complex down the street... the problems will still be there.
2006-10-26 07:22:58 · answer #2 · answered by Funchy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to let the landlord/owner know about your concerns about your safety. You MUST put your concerns in writing. This way it will be less likely ignored. On the letter, CC: to the local newspaper and a lawyer. This will probably get the owner's attention once he realizes that other influential people are now aware. Make sure all communication is written. If you have to, you may have to pay for mail delivery confirmation or certified mail (only a few bucks). Tell the landlord you will not pay anymore unless changes are made. Put the money in escrow or ask to be released from your lease. The key is to keep it professional, in writing, and always CC: other people. Be safe, Good Luck!!!
2006-10-26 07:34:46 · answer #3 · answered by SNT76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aproach your landlord and/or realtor and let them know the severity of the situation and that you feel it is imperitive for the safety of your unborn child that you move to a different complex. Keep it professional. If you run into problems bring up the facts about the crime and how nothing has been done to improve safety and metion a lawyer. If they don't cave then you can use www.craigslist.com in your area in the legal disscusion boards. There are alway lawyers on ready to offer advice. Good luck and be SAFE.
2006-10-26 07:19:28 · answer #4 · answered by MajickAlice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to look up your state laws for breaking leases, they vary, so I don't want to give you the wrong advice. You can also call the news yourself, let them know what is going on, get the complexes attention and they might be more willing to just let you go. Don't be afraid to rattle some cages to make sure you get the word out that there is a problem, that needs to be addressed. You might be surprised, and end up getting help from your neighbors in the area and the complex will be forced to do something.
Good luck and be safe
2006-10-26 07:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by nanners040477 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Write a letter to the leasing company indicating that there are major safety issues and as there are children involved you feel the need to relocate unless they institute immediate measures. (which cost $$ so they probably won't)
Say something like, "I am sure you wish to avoid the liability issues that would result should a child end up harmed".
Save a copy of the letter for your files and get & enclose copies of the recent police reports from the incidents.
Good luck
2006-10-26 07:22:26 · answer #6 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋