What to do about a neighboring tenant’s harassment of me?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do about a neighboring tenant’s harassment of me?
A week ago I got a kitten that is 4 1/2 months old and weighs 4 pounds. All she is doing is playing. The tenant below seems violent since he is always arguing with his wife and sounds like he is hitting things. He has complained to me and what sounds like punching the ceiling even prior to the cat (if my TV was too loud, etc). This man scares me and I just want to enjoy my new kitten. Is there anything I can do? My landlord who gave me permission to get the cat but is now asking me to not let the cat run around and play, which is impossible. I am a female who lives alone and having a man punching the ceiling is scary.
Asked on January 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You have a right under the law to what is known as "quiet enjoyment" of the apartment that you are renting Your neightbor does a well. But you aso have a right to feel safe and it sunds as if you do not. Your landlord has to take this complaint seriously and he has to act on it. You are being harassed by the guy and maybe you need to file a formal complaint against him. Keep documenting the complaints to your landlord and if nothing changes, seek legal help.
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you are having problems with the tenant's violent outbursts, you need to have a face to face meeting with your landlord about the situation to see how he or she can intervene to remedy it followed up by a written letter by you confirming the conversation. Keep a copy of the letter for future use and need.
If the problems persist, you need to advise your landlord that either the disruptive tenant needs to leave or it will be you. When your lease is up, then you can make your decision as to either staying or leaving the place that you are occupying.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.