Intellectual Property Law

stolen property- no forced entry--------------landlords negligence?

someone stole a few belongings from my friends apartment in september and the landlord said if she secure the apartment it would be deducted form the rent. My friend was pregnant and didnt feel safe so she got window gates and a new door lock installed. A few weeks later thats when she was told it would not be deducted. we are not even worried about her stolen belongings anymore but for her safety as well as her unborn child. Now the landlord is taking her to landlord tenant court and possible eviction. She feel the landlord has not live up to "warranty of habitability". When she moved in she failed o notice that the kitchen cubburds were filled with insect- the apartment still gets insects and flies. The window to her fire escape wasnt installed correct leaving the window to open from the outside when it is locked on the inside. Then later being informed about this information by the super who in turn has a copy of everyones key......... then on top of that the super said he saw the person enter her apartment but failed to notify police. Which sounds fishy to me who would enter another persons apartment throught the fire escape in broad daylight and were there is traffic? But anywway, she has police report- receipt for the work. What other documents do she need to win the case? the only problem is, is that she doesnt have a written document about the work beind deducted form nov rent- all she has is verbal agreement which they are now denying. So she hasnt payed rent becasue she wants to straighten everything out before- becasue it is confusing right now. Can you help assist her in winning this case? If you need more info email me also when she spoke to the police they remembered this apartment for being robbed before she moved in the same way no froced entry. So She is pretty sure the landlords know that apartment has a history of being robbed and they still failed to secure the apartment from further burglary

Public Comments

1. I am not sure what your question is, however it does not sound like she has a strong case. Did she report all of the issues in writing? It is standard procedure for the landlord and the super to have keys. Items that are going to be deducted from the rent should be agreed to on a per item basis (vice simply the concept of better protection) in writing before the purchase takes place. The super does not have a duty to report so unfortunately that changes nothing about the case.
2. First of all, if safety is a concern in your neighborhood and you don't have to live there, then get out. Common sense(and Confucius) says that any landlord not providing you a suitable place for the rent money you pay, is no place to spend your money. Right? Right.