I have a problem with my landlord and the association and I need your assistance. The property is in North Brunswick, NJ
In June, my landlord received a letter, dated June 16th, stating that I have placed some miscellaneous items (Couple of buckets and a mop stick) on the deck of my rented apartment. My landlord called me regarding this and I promptly removed the said items on the same day. In second week of July, My owner received a first bill for the amount of $400.00 ($25 / day), stating that the subject items were not removed from the deck until June 30th. When my landlord called me, I have informed her that these were items were removed the same day I received her first call. She communicated the same to her property association. Few weeks later, she received another charge of $1000.00 stating the said items were still present up to Jul 19th. The property manager insists that the items were seen long after the items were completely removed from the area.
I have requested my landlord to pursue Alternate Dispute Resolution with her association as the property manager was wrong in her observation. While she is still pursuing the matter, she has mentioned that I am liable for these charges if she does not get favorable decision.
First of all, my landlord did not provide me a copy of association rules and regulations at the time of lease. I am unaware of existence of such rule as this was not considered as a violation in previous two properties I lived at.
Secondly, the items was removed the same day the issue was brought to my attention and my landlord agrees with this.
Finally, even if it is assumed that the items were not removed for few days, these items did not pose any danger to the community as these were within the boundaries of my rented property. Such exorbitant fine is totally unfair for such an minor innocent mistake and equivalent to robbing me
I have written a letter to the association informing them of the above and requesting to reduce the fine to reasonable amount. They denied my request on the grounds that I do not own the property, hence can not represent myself at the association. My landlord does not feel the obligation to take up the matter seriously as she is simply passing on the burden to me.
Please advise how I could get this issue resolved.
Thanks
Krishna