For my readers out there, here’s an update on my Neighbor Saga:
We barely surpassed the holiday break and I still have nothing to show for the lunatic that dwells below me.
Thursday, December 23: I went to the large police department on Bryant Street. My sole intention was to file a restraining order but was unable to do so. As I entered the building, a police officer immediately asked if I needed help…. I guess I looked either confused or misplaced (probably both). I told him I needed to file a restraining order and that was the beginning of a 20 minute conversation. He suggested rather than filing an order to gather police records of every time the neighbor called the police to come to my place. I initially thought that was a good idea – but I was still convinced that I needed to file an order. He suggested that I go to the 3rd floor to get the records. When I went upstairs, they re-directed me to another office. *Good grief* Upon leaving the police department, I asked another police officer to direct me to the precinct that “governed” my neighborhood and while he gave me directions, he continued to talk to me and this stirred up another 20 minute conversation. I left the Bryant Street police department and went to the one close to my apartment. There, I was talking with 2 police officers who were incredibly nice and genuinely sincere. They read my blog and was astounded… and disgusted. They offered a housing committee to help, but they said I had to go to another office to file the order. I felt like I was on college campus all over again. Unfortunately for me, the office to file the order was closed by then.
Over the course of two weeks (granted they were holiday weeks), I sent 2 emails and left at least 3 voicemails for the area manager for Laramar. None of which were returned. With each call made, I asked the receptionist if the area manager was in the office and they always replied, “Oh yeah, I saw him. He might be away from his desk.” And I would immediately get transferred to his voicemail.
Thursday, December 30: I finally got a hold of another person who answered the phone and I talked with Joe (at Laramar) and he was wonderful. Although he could not help with the situation, he promised he would inquire about options and promised to call me back by the end of the day. And – he did. Finally, a sliver of light… just a sliver. Because it was the holiday, the Director was out on vacation and Joe was unable to get any of my requests answered.
Tuesday, January 4: After leaving another voicemail for the area manager, I called Laramar to get connected to the Director. As I was prepared to leave a voicemail, I actually heard a human on the other line. I spoke with the Director for 15 minutes or so and we discussed my situation. I wasn’t aware of this, as it was not ever communicated to me – but the Director said they left notes on the crazy’s door reminding her that reasonable noise was acceptable between certain hours and she needed to halt calling the police and making false accusations. He promised that my area manager would contact me to continue handling the situation.
My email to the Director following our conversation:
Hi [Director],
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. I understand your hands are tied and it’s difficult for anything to progress. I can tell you, despite my cute little apartment in a wonderful neighborhood – I can’t stand living there because I am in fear that I will be summoned by the police or some other official for doing nothing but living on top of a crazy lady. I do not want to live in my apartment – and the only reason is because of the neighbor downstairs of me. I’ve dodged living there the past couple of weeks, only to pick up my things for the sake of not running into her or giving her any reason to call the cops. (Since she has a way of calling the cops when I’m being “too loud” or something erroneous.)
I have carpets on my hardwood floors, I walk inside my house without my shoes on and I’m not really that big of a girl (5’3 on a good day and 120lbs).
As I mentioned, I would really appreciate it if you could release me from my lease since no other option could be made.
If you’re the least bit curious, my blog has everything documented thus far: tlbooey.com – Read the “Neighbor Saga” series… yes, she even got her own space in my blog.
Thank you,
TLBooey
His response to me:
Hi TLBooey,
Thank you for your time and effort to contact us regarding your issues with your neighbor. We will do all within our abilities and limitations to remediate this issue and (hopefully) generate better relations with your neighbor. If she continues to call the Police (especially if you and your pet are not in the building), please notify us so that we can build our records as well.
In reading your blog, I am hoping that we can change your opinion on our commitment to service, even if San Francisco Rent Arbitration and Stabilization rules and regulations prevent us from solving the issue to your complete satisfaction. I do understand that some tenants in this City have a differing views of what their rights are and conflict with neighbors and there are times when the management’s hands are tied within these disputes. However, if there is actionable behavior, we will do our best to correct the situation.
I will consult with — – (your Area Manager) and he will be in direct contact with you in the future. I am hoping that we can resolve this so that you may continue quiet enjoyment of your apartment.
Regards,
[The Director]
After talking with numerous counselors, a couple of lawyers and a bunch of professionals – it’s clear – us normal citizens are not protected by the wackos out there. I pray that some justice or some level of fairness comes out of this although I already feel like I’ve been screwed front back and side to side. I asked Laramar to release me from my contract (which is supposed to end this year mid March). I’ll keep you updated…..
