As If I Needed This

Who needs stress on top of stress. I present to you a very real letter to my apartment complex:

To Whom It May Concern:

On Tuesday, March 25, I came home around 6:30pm to an open door and an apartment issued key in the lock. I walked in and called out to see if anyone was inside and no answer. I walked back out of the apartment and called the office. Being after, 6:00pm, the answering service answered the call.

The operator informed me that the office was closed and everyone was gone for the day. She put me on hold while she tried to contact the manager, twice. She took down my name and phone number and told me she would leave the message.

Then, I locked my apartment and left to spend the night elsewhere. Returning the next morning, to get ready for work, I felt very uncomfortable taking a shower and doing my normal routine. At 10:00am, Wednesday, March 26, I called the office and spoke to the manager.

She apologized that the incident happened. She also told me that it was because of the fire safety checks they are doing this week and that my key was checked out at 1:40pm. To me, that indicates that my apartment door was opened since that time to the time I came home = 5 hours. I told her that I didn’t spend the night there and that I am uncomfortable spending any nights at my apartment from here on out. My lease expires at the end of April. I asked her if I could just move out as soon as possible, as I feel violated and vulnerable. I asked to be let out of my lease agreement, one month earlier. I could be out by next Monday. She said no and offered to change the locks.

Changing the locks will not ease my discomfort. To my knowledge, nothing has been taken, but I haven’t been in long enough to take count, since the incident. I live alone and it will remain in my mind that my apartment was open to anyone. I have personal items and mail that could’ve been looked through – anyone could know that I live alone; my bills; account numbers and the inventory of my personal belongings in my apartment.

I stated this to the manager and she informed me that she would contact her supervisor, but she felt that it was highly unlikely it would happen but doesn’t hurt to ask.

My lease agreement has been violated by the offices of my apartment complex. It is their duty to make a diligent effort for my safety. I must be provided with a home, free of safety risks. This incident has clearly violated that agreement. My life and safety were put at risk by the management office. There is no way that I will feel comfortable or at ease in my own apartment. I wish to be let out of my lease immediately, which is also only a month earlier than planned.


Thank you,
Golightly