Exchange between me and the building manager:
Me:
Team,
I hope this note finds you well. I'm reaching out in regards to security issues that we've ignored for some time but feel we can no longer tolerate.
We are located on the ground floor of the second building facing out to Olmsted park. There is endless foot traffic along the Jamaica Way that provides clear view into our apartments down here, and yet since we moved in back in June neither of the intended security gates have been locked. The lights flash red but anyone can walk in or out without a fob. What's more is that recently, we've realized that every entry point from the parking garage into our building or the parking garage elevator banks is similarly insecure. Not to mention, the front door of the building on S Huntington is rarely if ever locked.
As you all well know, the rent here is not inexpensive. We're paying upwards of $5,000/month in part for location but in large part for amenities not offered anywhere else. Security is the most important of those amenities. In light of the building's failing on this point we'd like to request a reduction in rent effective immediately or the option to terminate our lease early in order to find a more suitable living situation for ourselves and infant daughter.
Thank you,
Manager:
Hi Ben & Kayla,
Thank you for your email. Please know that we are aware of the issues with the back gates and it is certainly not being ignored. We've had several vendors out to diagnose the problem over the past few weeks. It is a technical issue that we've been troubleshooting for sometime and we finally have a vendor coming out this week to hopefully complete the fix.
I understand your concerns and we also take security at Serenity very seriously. The front door is monitored 24/7 but our security staff. All access points in the garage are FOB controlled and those are currently working. We have noticed that some residents prop doors open and we are taking steps to address this by having our security staff diligently check all access points during their security walks.
Unfortunately I am not able to reduce your rent or end your lease early, as the lease you signed is a legally biding contract. There is a buyout provision that you can utilize and I'm happy to provide more information regarding that if you like. You also have the option to transfer to an apartment that may better suit your needs and budget. Our availability / pricing is available on our website; www.theserenity.com. Please let me know if you'd like to set up a tour!
Thank you,
Community Manager
Me:
Hey Patrick,
Thanks for the reply.
We'll take a look at availability to see if there's something else that makes more sense from a security perspective. That said, I'd love to walk the garage with you to show you the issue I'm referring to. We know they should be fob controlled but for weeks folks have been able to move about freely without using fobs.
Me:
Hey,
This exchange has stuck in my craw a bit.
I want to be clear that we didn't appreciate the tone of the email (disregard if tone was misconstrued). We're paying tenants in a building you're responsible for managing. We've dealt quietly with insect infestations, smells of sewage in our bedrooms and severe water damage in one of our bathrooms and have gone through the channels set out, only to have the same issues persist. Now when we bring the most critical of issues, our family's security, to you as an issue that needs addressing and we should be in some way compensated for (given it hasn't been addressed since we raised it back in June), we're met with condescension.
What's more, you mentioned our lease being "legally binding" - in that same vein, I hope you understand that your building's LLC is in legal default of that "legally binding" agreement as we have consistently paid our rent and on time, and the building has failed to provide the basic services stipulated in the agreement.
Just wanted to be sure that our position was made clear. read more