I'm a good tenant. Pay the rent on time, etc. Now, things become missing, and other things, unmentionable, are happening. I live alone, and I DON'T FEEL LIKE MOVING. Have talked to management and the lock has been changed, but its still going on, even after the new lock was in place. What to do?
2006-12-07 10:39:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anna 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I have no idea what is happening. If an employee of the apartment building is responsible, changing the locks won't help. The building management will always have a key.
2006-12-07 10:45:52 · answer #1 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you suspect illegal entry, try placing some inconspicuous item at the bottom hinge of the door when you leave. A broom straw may be one. Be sure it's long enough to fall inside, not outside.
Whatever you use, make an inconspicuous mark on the outside of the door where you placed it. Even a slight scratch in the paint.
If a thief suspects that the item was there, it's doubtful it will be replaced in the same spot.
If you have a camera with time and date stamp, take a photo from the outside, being sure that the straw or item is visible in the photo.
You might even thoroughly clean around the lock and door knob, removing any fingerprints before leaving. When you return, if the straw or item is gone before you enter, do not enter, go to management immediately. You could dust some powder on the door yourself and it will reveal any prints.
You might be able to have the police check for prints.
You might even place a few dollars cash under a clean glass or plastic item, but visible. Take a before photo, with time and date.
If the item is moved and cash gone, there will be fingerprints on the item. Be sure that you do not have your fingerprints on it, and don't smudge it if it has been moved.
Good luck.
2006-12-07 19:17:49 · answer #2 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I fully agree with the prior answers, if you put them together.
Get a webcam that is motion-sensored, and set it up to record anything that happens every time you leave your property.
If management changed the locks and it's still happening, it's likely it's an inside job. Which raises the problem that even if they enter, depending on what you can get on camera they could say they were checking plumbing, etc... So you might need to get a couple cameras that cover your bedroom, panty drawer, etc... YUCK. But there's freaks out there like that.
And if you do end up busting someone in the management office, I'm sure it'd be easy to get them to reimburse you for the cost of anything you do, instead of sending the MPEG clips to your local news station. Might even get some free rent out of it.
There's shops in most cities that sell surveillance equipment. Find one who can set you up cheaply, and see if there's some device you can use that will clearly show if someone entered your place while you were gone.
2006-12-07 18:57:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can find inexpensive hidden surveillance equipment on-line. Install something that will record what goes on when you are not in your apartment. If your story is compelling enough, maybe you can get a local news agency to pay for it and set it up.
What unmentionable things? Maybe the police need to be involved?
Edit: When my sister and I were little, we would use little pieces of string that were ready to break and tape the ends to the door and the frame. If it was broken when we returned, we knew somebody was in our room. Not that we were in danger, just possessive little kid stuff.
2006-12-07 18:50:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you leave put a shoe by the door or a small piece of tape on the door and this will tell if someone has entered to property. Also! living alone I am sure you are drinking which 79 percent single people drink alone and it just might be the DT's = I am not being funny I just want you to be aware that you might have a problem
2006-12-07 19:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by gallagher g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a procam webcam. bout $100, It has a motion sensor on it to record while ur away, that way u will know if someone is in your apartment
2006-12-07 18:48:04 · answer #6 · answered by myothernewname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't feel like using surveillance equipment, hire a detective to solve your case...That is what they are in service for...But definitely do something!
2006-12-07 19:02:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe someone is living in your ceiling, its happened to people in the past.
2006-12-07 18:49:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kylie P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should put a video camera in your apartment.
2006-12-07 19:51:26 · answer #9 · answered by Nattiedred 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋