R.F. from New York, New York writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I have 2 new neighbors who I believe to be members of organized crime groups. Both want to steal my condo from me. Yesterday, one of them created a story about my Father….that my Father worked in a Hospital and took me to the hospital to have my ovaries out because I ran with too many Men and he wanted to punish me. The other neighbor has claimed I am a prostitute and have started to request to management to have me forced out of the building. They have racist names and said I need to be put in jail. They are trying to get my condo for cheap price and renovate it and make a huge profit selling it. I live with my brother, who is afflicted with Downs Syndrome Brother, who they claim is really my child and he is using up all the government money because of his disability. I have just about hit the ceiling on these statements.
When I come into the lobby of the condo, everyone stops talking. I have lived in the building for over 20 years and until these new neighbors moved in, I had no problems. I need to know what to do about them. They take pics of me on their cellphone and email texts to their family and spread stories about me every day…everyone hears all kinds of nasty stories they make up about me.
What should I do???? I cannot move right now, but next summer. They are now renovating the walls and carpets in the building so the price will go up after the holidays. What can I do to stop these people from harassing me and spreading nasty stories about me?
Mister Condo replies:
R.F., that is certainly a terrible situation you have on your hands. There are all kinds of people in this world, including some truly terrible folks as you have described. I am not a law enforcement officer or an attorney but I do suggest you contact both as you are describing a situation that may require a legal remedy and protection for you and your brother. Harassment is illegal. Discrimination is illegal. You have the right to feel safe in your own home. If these neighbors are doing illegal things as you claim, the police may be your advocates here. The condo association isn’t law enforcement but they do need to protect your right to peaceable enjoyment of your unit as outlined in your governing documents. I am not sure what they can do but they do need to be aware of the situation. Speak with an attorney to see if you have any civil rights protection available to you. You have my sympathy and concern. I wish you good luck!
Dear Mr. Condo,
To me, past secretary, past VP, past president, of more than one condo associations, one of the most complex and difficult things a condo ‘executive’ must face is squabbles and harassment problems between neighbors. Your reference here that “The condo association isn’t law enforcement but they do need to protect your right to peaceable enjoyment of your unit as outlined in your governing documents.” describes the quandary in which we too often find ourselves. We should do *something* but often seemingly can’t do *anything*.
With your considerable in-depth experience might you author a treatise on the subject – what can and can’t be done and how to do it – for the benefit of your followers?
Respectfully,
Pete DeGraff
Niantic, CT