D.S. from Clark County, Nevada writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I work at a high-rise condo and there is a resident who hates me for no valid reason that I know of. In the 5+ years I have worked here, he has gotten into verbal confrontations with many, many residents (including one recently where the police were called), threatened HOA Manager and board members. He saw me talking to an owner a few days ago that he has had a long running feud and stopped and just gave us an evil stare. The next day he confronted the owner in the garage and cussed him out and wanted the owner to hit him so that he could, in return, “kill the owner”. Previously he threatened me verbally that he has included my name and my friends (including the owner he wants to kill) with a lawsuit and the next day he came to the front desk in a fit of rage and was screaming and cussing me out but I couldn’t hear he from across the lobby with our lobby music playing and a noisy heating system blowing. He has screamed at other employee this year wishing him to die.
I have reported this incident as well as all others to our HOA Manager. She said she was going to discuss with the Board this resident’s conduct but I have not heard any results. What steps should I take? What steps can the Board take?
Mister Condo replies:
D.S., I am appalled at this resident’s behavior but not surprised. In my years in this industry I am sorry to say that I have heard of many acts of violence between unit owners and association employees. The one thing they all have in common is ending up with local law enforcement involved. From a practical standpoint, you can’t expect the HOA Board or Manager to do much when it comes to matters that really require law enforcement. I would tell my story to local law enforcement so that they are aware of the problem and I would keep “911” ready to call at a moment’s notice the next time this resident acts out. He clearly needs help and he is a menace to himself and others. If he snaps or pushes the wrong person, there will be carnage. The HOA manages the association, not criminal behavior. Work with local law enforcement to develop a plan for what happens the next time he acts out. You might also want to speak with an attorney about your own protection to find out what your rights are. It sounds like you’ve already been verbally assaulted and threatened. That may be all you need to file charges and get a restraining order (not too useful in close common areas but a sign that you are serious about your protection). I hope this ends peacefully for all involved. Good luck!