Help – renter advice needed!

[PoohnPglet]

I have rented my apartment here for a few years. I have had no trouble with this leasing company until recently when they really lowered their standard for who they will let lease these apartments. They used to do background checks, you were required to make a certain amount of money, you were restricted to the amount of adults that could occupy a single apartment. Now all of these seem to have been tossed to the side.

About a month ago, the apartment below me was rented to 3 young guys that quite frankly look like gang members. Tattoo's, chains, head scarves- they look like thugs! And the traffic in and out of their apartment is endless and goes on all night and all day. Loud music and shouting and loud thuds and such. I can smell the marijuana smoke each time I approach where our front doors are located. I want to complain, but I am terrified. Because of the way these apartments are arranged (we are basically a duplex really) these guys will know that the complaints came from me. I am totally afraid they would retaliate.

I am terrified every single day and I am losing sleep at night. I am afraid to let my son go out and I am afraid for him to be at home by himself after school. My question is, do I have a leg to stand on to insist to the management office that either a different apartment (located far from these guys) be provided for me or that I be let out of my lease to find other housing?

 

[cherylp3]

Not until you complain. Once after you have a few complaints, you can try to get out of the lease due to your right to have quiet enjoyment. I know my management company will try to evict after x amount of complaints.

Regarding the marijuana, I would involve the police.

 

[PoohnPglet]

Believe me - I would like to do just that. However, I know that there is no way these guys would not know it was me that complained. Sadly, I do not think the police would really do much of anything.

I really just want to move away from the situation.

 

[jfulcer]

Believe me - I would like to do just that. However, I know that there is no way these guys would not know it was me that complained. Sadly, I do not think the police would really do much of anything.

I really just want to move away from the situation.

I think you are giving them more credit than what might be deserved. Next time you smell the Marijuana, drive over to a payphone, call the police and complain there is loud noise and screaming coming from the apartment and go to the Movies. You never were home if the neighbors ask you (they won't), and if/when the police respond they should be able to smell it.

 

[cherylp3]

I agree with Jeff. Its a great idea to use a payphone and not to be home after you call.

 

[twinklebug]

Been there.

The sooner you get the police involved the better. Sounds to me with all the foot traffic you describe going in/out of their place that they are more than just friends with a lot of folk. Betting they're dealing it too. Tell the landlord. It's just as much their problem as it yours (they want good tenants) and it needs to stop before you get the whacked out guys pounding their fists on YOUR door at 2am because they need their "stuff" & are mixed up as to which door to go to to get it.

BTW - in our case the police already knew and had been watching the apartment from a garage across the road.

 

[PoohnPglet]

Jeff - that is a great idea. Thank you!

I feel pretty sure that they are dealing, but I have no confidence in the Orlando PD. The crime here is just out of control and it doesn't seem like anything is being done about it.

 

[Aidensmom]

I agree about calling the police and then leaving....

And if that doesn't work, I would just ask if you could switch apartments due to your neighbors noise or something. I've moved apartments before actually because of the noise, and the apt management didn't think twice about it - to them it is just an apartment, it doesn't matter which one you are renting.