[olgamrios]

The manager gave us a new memo about 6 months ago that no bikes, scooters or skateboards will be permitted in the premises. Well for Christmas she bought her daughter a bike and did not informed anyone that bikes are now allowed. I comfronted her about the issue and she said she had decided to let the little kids ride their bike and scooters in the presence of an adult. I asked her why wouldn't she informed her tenants, that I'm sure would have love to buy their kids bike or scooters for Christmas. She was upset and said that I need not to speak for the other tenants. How is it okay for her to change the rules and her conviniece.

[smoothy]

How is it OK... because she manages the property and you don't. Just like in the classroom the teacher has a say over the students.

Call it one of the perks of being in charge.

Word to the wise... its a fight you can't win... when your lease expires... you may not be allowed to renew it and have to move.

Until the property manager decides they are allowed in writing... then they will continue not to be.

[olgamrios]

And now yesterday.. She took a ball from my grandson and said he is not allowed to play with it. When she had said balls are allowed as long as they are not soccer balls and brake any windows. The was one of those rubber balls. I really feel like she is harassing me and my family...

[smoothy]

Where was it taken from? (like was it the hallway, stairs....courtyard?) What was happening before it was taken?

If it was in a hallway I can understand it...walls get marked up..and the noise is significant and it would annoy other tenants...some of whom might sleep during the day because they work at night. Every appartment I have lived in playing in the hallways was prohibited as well as making lots of noise in them.

[olgamrios]

In the courtyard. Should I just let it go and stop thinking she is harassing my family. Just wait to my lease is over in August and move. Should I contact the property management(owner). Or am I at a lost?

[smoothy]

Ok... that makes a HUGE differnce... your daughter does have the expectation to be able to play in the courtyard. The property management company is going to side with their manager, and take her word for anything absent hard proof to the contrary... from more than one family.

My perspective on this is as such. What do you expect to accomplish? How long is it going to take? How much effort will it take? From my perspective these seem to be small annoyances... something you can live with until the lease is up. I get the impression the majority of the tenants there might not have kids... am I guessiung correctly? I'm also speaking from my own experience in apartments some of it working the midnight shift where I slept during the day..

I would focus on finding a new apartment complex before August, one that is more family friendly.. and specifically kid friendly. One with a dedicated playground for kids would be a good indicator. Because if your lease expires on August first... you will need to put a notice in by July first at the latest, actually make sure its at least 30 days before to cover yourself from extra charges.

I say this because there is little to "WIN" and its going to be a lot of work and trouble, and in the end they might just give you a notice they do not intend to renew the lease or allow you to continue month to month ( this is of course dependent on specific local rental laws of course and you aren't in a rent control area like NYC or Washington, DC).

I never said it is right to take her ball....and as you tell it...I would view it as quite wrong....however sometimes its to your advantage to pick your battles carefully....to not make the enviroment any more hostile than it is.

I assume your daughter didn't bounce the ball off any windows while in the courtyard.

[olgamrios]

90% of the tenants have children. I will just do my best to keep my kids indoors as hard as it is. She is really harassing me and I don't know what to do. I am so disappointed that I can't do anything but wait for my lease to be over. And just let her get away with all of this. There is at least 5 other families that have the same issues but they don't speak out. I just can't keep quiet. But I will. Thank you so much for all the information you have given me.

[smoothy]

WHat I said might not change anything there... but its going to cause you less grief than a fight would be... And if you spend your days amped up fighting with the manager... you are going to be distracted from enjoying time with your family... and specifically your daughter because they do grow up very fast.

If thre was overt racial comments... or derogatory things being said... or things a lot more significant... my viewpoint would change at some point. I'm speaking as someone whoi in my younger days fought over ever little slight... some real, some perceived... It gave me ulcers.. and a lot of stress, eventually high blood pressure... I learned if you worry about the big things... the little things usually take care of themselves.

[joypulv]

Your confrontation was not the best way to go about it. 'How is it okay?' A lot of things in life aren't OK, and when you see her child on a bike, you sit down and think about what to say, and talk with others, before blurting out something accusing that puts her on the defensive. Sure, she may be harassing you now. That's life with a tenant manager. Get some parents together and go talk calmly to her about making a detailed list.

[ScottGem]

You made a big mistake by confronting her over her kid's bike. That put you in her doghouse. And she is going to make life more difficult for you if she can.

You have two choices. Bring it up to the management company that employs her or the landlord, Or let it drop until you can move. If you try the former, be aware that if you lose that battle, it will become more uncomfortable for you in the complex.

[olgamrios]

Thank you...