I live in work in Atlanta GA. I work in a big office complex and basically the only two businesses in our building are a Dr.'s office and my place of employment, a reserach lab. Neither of our bathrooms are handicapp accessible nor do we have handicapp parking. It makes me sick to my stomache to see people getting out of their wheelchairs struggling to go into the bathroom or even worse Ive seen Patients mess themselves because the bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. I've complained verbally and in writing to the building owner and property manager and they say that their property is under some Grandfather clause that allows them to legally not have to accomadate handicapp people. I really don't believe this is true but my question is what agencies can I contact in order to find out our rights as tenants? My Mom actually owns the research company I work for so I make most of the repair requests and the owner ALWAYS ignores them. Who can I call for help with a slum lord?
2007-12-04 06:24:36 · 11 answers · asked by HONEY 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Morally...geez sorry... This man owns the building. We simply rent space from him. Under our contract he is responsible for repairs and renovations. We actually paid our lease 1 year in advance or we would have definetely moved. Trust me when U see people that are legally blind and in wheelchairs being helped out of it by 2 or 3 people simply because their wheelchair wont fit U would definetely be disgusted that a person should be forced to suffer this kind of humiliation while our multimillion building owner drives his $100,000 28 inch rimmed up Mercedes Benz by withoutout a care in the world. If we continue to stay here I will definetely talk 2 my Mom and the other Dr. about doing the renovations ourselves because my conscience won't let me accept this disgraceful situation.
2007-12-04 07:02:50 · update #1
if you are renting tenant space you are responsible for the improvements to that space. if the building had not sold in the time that the ada was passed then the owners are not obligated to upgrade to ada compliant facilities. in short, if you want new facilities you will have to pay for them.
2007-12-04 06:29:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's YOU, as the tenant, that is legally responsible for complying with the ADA, *not* the premise owner.
If the building is grandfathered in then there's no requirement for handicapped facilities to be installed - but that does NOT mean that your company isn't entitled to spend the money and put them in anyway.
Just don't expect someone else to spend money to do something that
a) isn't legally required, and
b) isn't their responsibility anyway.
Richard
ps... Walt is right, there are both Federal and State tax deductions or even tax credits available to help finance this sort of work.
2007-12-04 14:40:32 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's obvious that you are truly concerned and I applaud you for that.A complaint by a disabled person to a state or federal agency carries more punch than anything you can say to the landlord.Without that our best bet is to move yourself to upgrade and provide your clients better access.Your Mom may be able to get a federal and or state business grant or tax break for the work.
2007-12-04 14:45:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact City Hall - I think it's the building and planning department or permits. The person answering the phone at City Hall should be able to direct your call.
I am glad your taking a step to help the handicap.
2007-12-04 14:29:21 · answer #4 · answered by ChristinaS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The above answers are good, but why did you pay for a year in advance for a place you don't like?
Regardless of the business, I think anyone paying a year's rent in advance is not in a position to complain about someone's car.
2007-12-04 16:08:51 · answer #5 · answered by Barry C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "American's with disabilities act" is under the Federal Government umbrella. Check with your state government first as many states have "access laws" of their own.
2007-12-04 14:31:18 · answer #6 · answered by kja63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, it is not morally wrong. As a business, you set up to serve people. If you don't serve them, they go elsewhere.
Legally, you would probably want to contact someone at the state level first.
2007-12-04 14:38:59 · answer #7 · answered by desotobrave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Morally?
2007-12-04 14:27:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many lawyers out their just salivating over a chance to sue someone like this. That would get you results real quick.
2007-12-04 14:31:06 · answer #9 · answered by QBeing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Report them anonymously as a co. violating the American Disability Act/Law. You will get fast action. Google it!
2007-12-04 14:30:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋