Joan,

I used to do this stuff for a living, investigate discrimination complaints,
primarily housing, for the Feds.  Being a modest guy I wouldn't claim any
expertise in this or any other matter of being human.  And I've been
"retired" for about 12 years now.  So my opinions are worth, let's say, the
paper they're being written on?

Sure you can file against your neighbors.  And the managers and owners of
the apartment complex too.  You can file against God, if the government's
big enough to claim jurisdiction.  Ours may think it is.

Vince has a "management" issue.  From his description Vince also may have an
actual handicapped discrimination complaint.  (The "may" reflects my
lingering "bureaucratic" mindset. I'm ever intrigued that people "grouse"
about their "rights," yet rarely exercise them or even know they have legal
recourse.)  Since he's already notified management, he can ask them what
they've done to ameliorate the problem.  He could "gently" let them know
that he's "thinking" about filing a discrimination complaint against his
neighbors.  That gives management "wiggle" room and incentive to "notify"
his neighbors, since he's not yet charging management.  Sometimes these
disputes fester because management won't properly notify their tenants and
even-handedly enforce the lease.

Mag and Bobby furthered my implications that apartment and neighborhood
coexistence is usually live and let live.  When neighbors get in your face
then more challenges of life begin.  There's all kinds of coping and
survival strategies.

I wanted Vince to consider that running from the problem wasn't necessarily
the best or only solution, to be aware that he had contractual and other
legal recourse.  I also suggested that he should simply ignore his
neighbor's attitudes and behaviors unless they become too obtrusive.

Steve M.


Date:    Wed, 28 Apr 1999 20:33:59 -0500
From:    joan m wallyn <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Intro and advice request...

Stephen -- Can you really file a housing discrimination complaint against
your neighbors?
I would think that would remedy a management issue.   JMW

On Wed, 28 Apr 1999 08:42:48 -0400 "I. STEPHEN MARGOLIS"
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>
>Vince,
>
>Hello and welcome to the list.
>
>Briefly.  You have the right of peaceable enjoyment of your premises,
>free
>of harassment from your neighbors.
>
>Firstly, ignore their remarks and behavior.  Just give them a smile
>when you
>see them.  Exercise restraint and good behavior.
>
>Secondly, try to tape record their remarks.
>
>Thirdly, seek out the city/county, state, and Federal Housing Civil
>Rights
>offices.  File a housing discrimination complaint based on disability.
> The
>city and state agencies are usually Human Relations Commissions.  The
>Feds
>are located in the Department of HUD Fair Housing Division.  You also
>might
>be protected under the Americans with Disability Act.
>
>The situation is not pleasant.  You have every good reason to be
>upset.  How
>you respond to their provocation will make a huge impact on your
>effectiveness and ability to maintain your tenancy.
>
>If you want some additional support send me an email direct.
>
>
>Steve M.
>
>
>Date:    Tue, 27 Apr 1999 22:30:27 -0400
>From:    VC <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Intro and advice request...
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I've been lurking here for some time, reading some great information
>and
>advice.
>
>My name is Vince Cleniuk and for all of my 33 years, I've had CP
>(spastic diaplegia).
>It's great to find a mailing list with so many people who've
>experienced
>some of
>the same things I've been through.
>
>There are so many people on this list with great attitudes.  I wish I
>could have
>that approach more often.  But lately I've run into some obstacles --
>other people
>with harsh discriminatory biases.
>
>Don't get me wrong, my entire life I've encountered people with poor
>opinions of
>disabled persons.  In every other occasion, I didn't let it sink in.
>This time is
>different.
>
>In this new apartment building, my next door neighbors are vile.
>They're an
>older couple who apparently resent me for my handicap.  They've
>invited
>every other new neighbor over to visit, and not me.
>
>I've heard them shout at me (as I pass their door) things like "You
>have
>no right to be here." and "You sure know how to take advantage of the
>system."
>I won't mention the vulgar things.  On 2 occasions I confronted them
>at
>their door.  In public, they deny all.  If I hadn't confronted them at
>their
>door, I wouldn't have seen them.  I'm very tempted to put their names
>here for everyone to remember.
>
>I've spoken to a lawyer who helped me put in formal complaints about
>their
>behavior with the apartment management.  But after that, even he said
>I
>might
>be forced to move.  Moving is O.K. except it took me a long time just
>to
>find this apartment.  It's the only one that comes close to being
>accessible.
>
>It feels like I'm stuck.  I'd be very greatful of anyone's advice.
>
>
>Regards,
>
>Vince
>