There are still no lights in the upstairs hall.

I had to put a lamp in the laundry room and write a note about the safety of tenants using scary language.

I had to threaten to get a lawyer to have my doorknob, heater, and the holes in my wall repaired (they went through my wall to fix someone else's toilet) and that was months ago.

So far, they've gotten to the doorknob.

I know. I'm saving to move. But now my skin is on fire with rage at being treated like I live in a mean orphanage.

I like your letter, Allyson. And "Draconian" (which I almost used in my suggestion)

I think your landlord wants to keep the most amount of neighbors happy. If you can show that most want to use the back area and you've really only got a sociopath plus one, then your reasonable request should be met.

Egad, Allyson, what utter bullshit you have to contend with! The curfew is absurd, especially in light of the manager's complete failure to meet her own obligations.

oh, Allyson, what a hassle...I like the letter.

My day started with me out of the door by 6:30 AM and I didn't get back until 30 minutes ago. Oof. Long ass day and I'm staring down the barrel of another tomorrow.

But! I did get my hair cut and dyed. Now my forehead/hairline area is the color of my hair (oops! bad stylist! no bisuit!) and the cut is more high maintenance than my all over one length dealy and the color is not exactly a match with my natural, but I don't hate it.

The place did have, however, a line of products called "Vampire Make Up" and adorable metal bat hair clips, two of which I bought of Jilli. So, Jilli, address please so I can mail them to you.

Skippity to post that, according to the Buffista Calendar, today is DavidS' birthday.

Happy birthday, Hec! With lots of wishes for a great day and a wonderful year!

Happy Birthday, David!

Honestly, I'd be inclined to just go ahead and use the patio whenever (with an eye toward being silent and respectful after 10pm, which seems to be the standard "bedtime" hour agreed upon by adults) and if anything were said to me, reply "I chose not to follow the curfew, just as management has chosen to ignore my maintenance and repair requests."

And have a locksmith make a key to the back door if necessary.

Allyson, I'm betting there's laws regarding access to apartment building common areas, or at least unreasonable and abrupt changes in area management that are covered. Worth looking into. And you can certainly step up complaining about the necessary repairs.

In other news, Hippo Birdies, Hecubot!

Happy Birthday Hec!

Happy Birthday David!

Good luck on the patio, Allyson. I think David is right-- landlord probably just wants to keep the most number of tenants happy. Perhaps gathering names of all who a) like to use the patio and/or b) don't care if others use the patio with respect.

Also, the only time I complained to management about another tenant is when my neighbors were smoking pot and set their apartment on fire, filling mine with smoke and causing me to call the fire department because I could not wake them. When they were just loud and played that thump, thump music at 3am, I just banged on the wall and yelled.

Happy birthday, David!!

"I chose not to follow the curfew, just as management has chosen to ignore my maintenance and repair requests."

Good call.