Moral Dilemna

[MJames41]

Here is the situation. Last month, I got the opportunity to move to a much nicer apartment. My son wanted to move immediately, so we made the arrangments at the last minute and we did.

Since it was at the last minute, we left a lot of small things behind. Since my lease didn't expire until June 30th, and I was paid up to then, I didn't think that would be a problem. We also left a lot of things we didn't want to take, thinking we would have time to bag them and through them out.

Well, we couldn't get over there for the first couple of weekends, and when we finally did, the place was in worst shape than when we left. Bags of garbage we had set to go were torn open, bags of items we were set to give away the same, luggage and other small items (including some things we got at DisneyWorld that besides being useful were also memorable) were stolen. I was there last Friday, waiting for the Salvation Army to come by and pick up our old furniture, and I hear a key in my lock. I go there and in comes a maintenance person as if they owned the place! I confronted them, and they said they were just checking to see if anyone was living there. I asked her about the missing items, and she didn't really say anything. Because I don't like confrontation, I was hoping the stuff would be back this weekend (and one thing did come back, an expensive winter jacket for my son), but to no avail.

My dilemna is, I can't stand to be there anymore. I get very upset when I am there, and there is a lot of cleaning that needs to be done, including putting back into garbage bags the things that were ripped out. Am I right to leave it? I don't feel right, but I can't stand to be there cleaning. Any thoughts?

 

[winniedapooh]

I would clean up just because I am me.....I would also say something to the apartment manager, again-just because I am me!

 

[Otimon]

Solve the problem by hiring someone from a cleaning service to do the work for you.

Hope you find happiness in your new place.

Best wishes.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I'm sure if you don't clean it up you won't get your security deposit back. You may also be charged an additional fee for any cleanup that the office has to take care of.

 

[zurgswife]

I would clean up...but I also would have a long talk with apartment manager and tell her/him the store and that you are calling the police....and call the police and report the items you know about stolen....if you have renters insurance it would cover some of these items..

 

[Skywalker]

I'm not really sure what one has to do with the other. I would think you should clean up the place despite the thefts. I think you could stand to be there just a few more days. If the reason is you are frightened to be there now, doesn't the door have a chain or deadbolt or something you put on while you're there? I hope so!

 

[disneyelaine]

Re your subject title....I don't think this is a moral issue. I think when you sign a lease it usually says something to the effect you must clean & move all belongings out. More of a contractual obligation vs moral. So I would fullfil that end of the deal. BUT I'd also address the missing belongings with management, police, insurance etc... That's just what I think.

 

[Disney Doll]

Clean the apartment and address the stolen items with the authorities.

 

[jipsy]

Did you notify management that you would be taking the month to move from one apartment to the other or did they just assume you were moving immediately, as you stated to us that you did for your son? Perhaps they thought the stuff was just left behind.

You definitely need to clean. Not cleaning is just, well, nasty. I'm sure if you don't you will be charged or not get any deposit back. You also need to notify management that your apartment was yours until the end of the month, and that you have had stuff stolen and will be reporting it to the police. If you suspect maintenance, you also need to tell management that.

But yes, you need to clean. Definitely.

 

[FroggyinArk]

definately report thefts,, then report the mainteneance ppl,, because most states have laws stating that with out your( renters) permission, they cannot enter with out police and a warrent, which they obviously had niether, if you have a rental agrement in writing the access should have been in that, what was allowable forthem to enter( ussually some major problems are excepted to the no entry, but opening your trash bags should not be a major problem, ) please dont let it slide,, but inm teh same envelope i think you should at least attemp to clean up, i wouldnt go over board and p[olish the glass but i would leave the property in a showable condition.