I am more concerned with the words "threatening me with verbal abuse", regardless of the medical condition or psychological diagnosis of the person.
If you are being threatened and verbally abused, it would be advised to call the police and/or the landlord, depending on the severity.
- Do you rent or own your property?
- Are you friends with other neighbors? If so, have they had similar incidents (without being gossipy; you want to be the level-headed one that is not provoking or instigating, but just reporting incidents).
You will need to keep copious notes of each individual incident (what was said, time, date, significant circumstances). Write a well-written letter and follow-up with a phone call to the landlord.
I do not like to stereotype people based on any condition, whether physical or psychological, as there are a wide-range of mental health conditions and most people are able to function very well in society. As I said, the PRIMARY concern is ANYONE who threatens or verbally abuses another person; you have the right to live in peace in your own home, protect yourself, and not feel scared or threatened.
With this said, I would stick to the facts about the behavior that has been threatening or abusive, and unless you have seen in writing that this person has a diagnosable condition and/or you have first-hand knowledge...it is hearsay that s/he has a certain diagnosis. Remember that this tenant has rights, too.
If this person is threatening you, and you have documented evidence of each encounter (detailed notes with dates and time, including verbal and non-verbal threats), according to NOLO.com, "Landlords in most states have some degree of legal responsibility to protect their tenants from would-be assailants and thieves and from the criminal acts of fellow tenants (criminal act = threats and abuse). These legal duties stem from building codes, ordinances, statutes, and, most frequently, court decisions." You may be able to locate in your lease what clause/paragraph relates to the landlord's responsibility to protect tenants (and quote this in your letter).
Let us know if you need any further help. If you do, can you let us know what state you live in?
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I am more concerned with the words "threatening me with verbal abuse", regardless of the medical condition or psychological diagnosis of the person.
If you are being threatened and verbally abused, it would be advised to call the police and/or the landlord, depending on the severity.
- Do you rent or own your property?
- Are you friends with other neighbors? If so, have they had similar incidents (without being gossipy; you want to be the level-headed one that is not provoking or instigating, but just reporting incidents).
You will need to keep copious notes of each individual incident (what was said, time, date, significant circumstances). Write a well-written letter and follow-up with a phone call to the landlord.
I do not like to stereotype people based on any condition, whether physical or psychological, as there are a wide-range of mental health conditions and most people are able to function very well in society. As I said, the PRIMARY concern is ANYONE who threatens or verbally abuses another person; you have the right to live in peace in your own home, protect yourself, and not feel scared or threatened.
With this said, I would stick to the facts about the behavior that has been threatening or abusive, and unless you have seen in writing that this person has a diagnosable condition and/or you have first-hand knowledge...it is hearsay that s/he has a certain diagnosis. Remember that this tenant has rights, too.
If this person is threatening you, and you have documented evidence of each encounter (detailed notes with dates and time, including verbal and non-verbal threats), according to NOLO.com, "Landlords in most states have some degree of legal responsibility to protect their tenants from would-be assailants and thieves and from the criminal acts of fellow tenants (criminal act = threats and abuse). These legal duties stem from building codes, ordinances, statutes, and, most frequently, court decisions." You may be able to locate in your lease what clause/paragraph relates to the landlord's responsibility to protect tenants (and quote this in your letter).
Let us know if you need any further help. If you do, can you let us know what state you live in?
September 6, 2009 - 6:41pmThis Comment
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