Landlord not doing anything about litterbugs

[bigtecsks]

What is the name of your state? IL



I have presented photos to my landlord showing unused cigars and cigarettes and recently a used cigarette butt left on a rug in my building. I've reported this Alfonso HUD which seems to not care. HUD tells me to report to the housing authority. I really become frustrated that the landlord is so lenient on this resident that continues to drop things. The landlord has not addressed the issue in a flyer as he goes about other issues. I live at a federally funded property. And I thought HUD was aggressive with enforcing policy violations. But it seems it's all left up to the landlord. I was told by a Avvo attorney to complain to the police if I see a violation. But a HUD contractor told me they need proof of a violation such as smoking indoors, etc to do anything. I've shared proof with my county commissioner of the possible fire hazard that a cigarette butt could pose if lit.

All that HUD and the housing authority do is encourage me to move out. Which is rather hard. As I would be homeless if I move out too soon. As some income based properties take months even years to have something available.

I had a legal aid lawyer very interested in my case against the housing authority for failure to accept my ADA accomodations request to change to a different floor in the building due to smoking on my floor a few years back.

I've just not had to deal with incoherent neighbors before at all the other properties I used to live at.

I've shared concerns with my state and local officials as well about my property. Which I'm sure they don't care.

 

[adjusterjack]

All that HUD and the housing authority do is encourage me to move out.

Yep. That's your choice. You don't like the place you live, you do what the rest of us do, you move.

 

[zddoodah]

Do you have a question about a legal issue?

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state? IL



I have presented photos to my landlord showing unused cigars and cigarettes and recently a used cigarette butt left on a rug in my building. I've reported this Alfonso HUD which seems to not care. HUD tells me to report to the housing authority. I really become frustrated that the landlord is so lenient on this resident that continues to drop things. The landlord has not addressed the issue in a flyer as he goes about other issues. I live at a federally funded property. And I thought HUD was aggressive with enforcing policy violations. But it seems it's all left up to the landlord. I was told by a Avvo attorney to complain to the police if I see a violation. But a HUD contractor told me they need proof of a violation such as smoking indoors, etc to do anything. I've shared proof with my county commissioner of the possible fire hazard that a cigarette butt could pose if lit.

All that HUD and the housing authority do is encourage me to move out. Which is rather hard. As I would be homeless if I move out too soon. As some income based properties take months even years to have something available.

I had a legal aid lawyer very interested in my case against the housing authority for failure to accept my ADA accomodations request to change to a different floor in the building due to smoking on my floor a few years back.

I've just not had to deal with incoherent neighbors before at all the other properties I used to live at.

I've shared concerns with my state and local officials as well about my property. Which I'm sure they don't care.

You appear to be taking the steps necessary to try to have the problem resolved.

It is true what you were told that no one can take action against a specific individual just on the basis of discarded cigars or cigarettes. The smoker needs to be seen violating a housing policy. Other than posting or emailing a housing-wide reminder notice to all residents of the smoking policy, the housing officials can do little.

I suggest you start making plans now to move to a new place, although I understand wait-times can be long. Keep in mind that no housing community will be entirely problem-free. If it’s not someone smoking it will be noisy kids or loud music or obnoxious neighbors who constantly complain.

Good luck.

 

[FarmerJ]

unless you have actual video footage the land lord can use to actually identify the guilty party (s) or the landlord installing cameras in common areas to record them i dont see much being done to even try to go after the litter bugs

 

[bigtecsks]

The manager does have cameras most everywhere in the building and outside. I really thought HUD has some enforcement power and could pressure landlord to do something about it. Guess in reality it's a no.

 

[bigtecsks]

Of all the apartments even a market based rental with a relative I had lived. Those places were quiet, and management seemed stricter on drugs, smoking, and litter. One landlord had actually worked with the police to stop crime and drugs at her property. And surprised this current landlord seems to careless. I removed myself from the wait-lists with this rental property. I hope to find something better soon. It may be the county I live in as to why the landlord is lenient on wreckless behaviors of the other tenants.



Would a complaint for discrimination to the county discrimination board, about the failure of the housing authority or landlord to address health concerns work? To at least hold them accountable?

It seems that HUD is just a welfare magnet but doesn't really enforce nothing and leaves it up to landlords and leasing companies to enforce.

Maybe I'll get lucky and meet a wealthy lady and move into her house.

 

[bigtecsks]

Would calling the police about a resident standing in front of or across from my door talking to another resident for under ten minutes be appropriate ?

I've tried to call the police about certain things over the years. Like a resident smoking in the building but they could do nothing since marijuana is legal here. But the police said to complain to HUD. Of course that didn't work.

But I guess Quincy pretty much stated it all in their post.

 

[bigtecsks]

I have tried to give suggestions and things to my landlord to help him improve his policy. He finally made smoking indoors and drug use a quick eviction. But I guess I can't expect too much more from him to follow through with.

 

[Just Blue]

Would calling the police about a resident standing in front of or across from my door talking to another resident for under ten minutes be appropriate ?

I've tried to call the police about certain things over the years. Like a resident smoking in the building but they could do nothing since marijuana is legal here. But the police said to complain to HUD. Of course that didn't work.

But I guess Quincy pretty much stated it all in their post.

Calling the police because 2 people are having a short conversation in their common area would not only be inappropriate it would be an incredible waste of police time and resources.

 

[bigtecsks]

What can be done to stop the resident from knocking on my door?

I've lived at other properties in the past. And residents didn't knock on doors unless they knew people.

I talked with her once in the lobby at my complex. I only told her my room number. And she told me hers. She was looking for another resident last time. This time she knocked again. And she seems to either be mental or forgetful of her friend's room number.

I told my landlord about it. They told me to ignore her and that she should not be bothering people she doesn't know. I told him about this time too.