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no good deed goes undone, My friends was right! I'm going to be cold hearted. — Brooklynian

no good deed goes undone, My friends was right! I'm going to be cold hearted.

armchair_warrior
armchair_warrior
edited November -1 in Prospect Heights

Many moons ago one of my tenants apt gotten broken into. I felt bad for their situation. After this happen I ask them do they have renters insurance, they said no. I gave them a few k to get them on their feet.

So they got their apt broken into again. Last week I ask them I hope they gotten renters insurance this time. I gave them a little less this time a 1k+ being on a tight budget my self. Also i felt they should have gotten renters insurance.

After I sent them some money today, they said the money isn't enough! to cover any losses. At that point I explain to them the money is act of compassion charity etc.. like a natural disaster like the hurricane!!

Instead of blaming the burglars, they are blaming me for the locks. They are now saying I'll see me in court.

Lesson learn be a cold hearted sob landlord for now on.

Also who's a good landlord tenant lawyer, I might need one.

Should I go get the report from the police? and save the mangle dead cylinder dead bolt apt door type of lock?

Comments

  • tateinbk
    tateinbk

    If they were worried about the locks they should have gotten them changed.

    I wish you were my landlord. Not because you're handing out money, but compassion of any sort is so rare.

  • salix
    salix

    Of course this should have been reported to the police. Why wouldn't you and your tenants report it? On the other hand, Ray Kelly might appreciate have the stats go down that way.

  • bricktop
    bricktop

    Yes, keep the lock, yes take photos of anything and everything relevant, in case they do sue you. There's a reason for doing things 'by the book,' and that includes not giving the tenants money if they get broken into. It's nice to be a nice person, but as you see it kind of created an expectation that you will be giving them money. It is your responsibility to make sure the building locks are in good working order and secure, but if they were, then you have no responsibility to compensate them for their losses. It is THEIR responsibility to get renters insurance, as you know. I tell tenants every time a lease is signed that it is something they should have, and that our property insurance will not cover the contents of their apartment. Your post is a good prompt to remind them, in fact. Just out of curiosity, do you have other tenants in the building and have they been broken into as well, or is it just this one?

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    If and when you get a summons turn it over to your insurance company. They will defend you and if it turns out you have to pay they'll pay the claim out of the liability portion of your insurance. This will not affect your rate. Next time (if any)you give money to someone get them to sign a release. In addition, in court they're going to have to admit that they took your money and now they're trying to get more. Your insurance company needs to know that you paid them, I hope you have some proof such as a canceled check. Good luck.

  • tsarina
    tsarina

    aren't locks and bars the responsibility of the tenant? Everyone has different levels of security and what is okay for one might not be adequate for another. The landlord provides a lock and if the tenant wants something better he can acquire it. Ditto for bars.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    they did call the police, they were there last week.

  • ribbons
    ribbons

    How are they burglars getting into the apartment? I think locks and a secure door are the landlords responsibility, but if you choose not to buy renters insurance you take the risk of being robbed without recourse.

  • pragmaticguy
    pragmaticguy

    By the way....no matter what your intentions, when you offered them money you in effect admitted your guilt.

  • whynot_31
    whynot_31

    In the eyes of some, admitting guilt = weakness

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    They jimmy the front two doors. They crawl bar the apt door. this type of lock was on door that was broken.

    Like i said I learn my lesson. If i feel bad next time, i'll just remember this incident and go sucks to be them without renters insurance.

    I don't know why people think me being sorry for them by giving them something is being guilty. but that's how this culture see it. Lesson learn here I should give no charity or compassion at all.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    So who wants to buy a slightly new renovated house in park slope and prospect heights. I'm sick being a landlord at this point for these areas.

  • whynot_31
    whynot_31

    Needless to say, if you are tired of the work/crap that comes from being a landlord, you certainly wouldn't be the first to cash out.

    Now seems to be a good time. Prices are really high.

    ...talk with a realtor.

  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior

    I'm seriously considering it. but don't know if the prices are good. i spent way too much on renovation.

  • stacey
    stacey

    Tenants would have a claim only if you knew of a hazardous condition. I.e., if the lock never closes, the tenants have told you to fix it, you didn't and someone was burglarized, hurt, etc. you could be held responsible because it was foreseeable. If they broke a secure lock then its much harder to place blame on you.

    If you need a good L&T lawyer his name is David Kaminsky.

    http://www.davidakaminsky.com/attorneys.html

  • eastbloc
    eastbloc

    By the way....no matter what your intentions, when you offered them money you in effect admitted your guilt.

    This.

  • landlord
    landlord

    I used to have one break in every 3 years or so. I installed security camera's on ever floor about 6 years ago. Additionally, I put "security cameras in use" stickers in the main entrance. Since doing this I did not have 1 incident.

    Also all the doors were replaced with high grade steel security doors at a cost of $700 each. They all have dual bolt locks.

    Don't let such a small incident get to you. There are much bigger problems a landlord can encounter.

    Best of luck

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