The Shot Heard 'Round The Block

The People's Republic of Huxley Ave. has long endured the oppressive hand of its foreign imperialistic master. The people have grown weary from the mounting words of deceit spewed from the mouth of their Queen. Anger from the townspeople grew tenfold following a 27% rent increase. A stay of execution on said increase was made possible after lobbying from the local governor. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, came on July 25, 2005 when the People's Republic was invaded by lowest of the low's...a real estate agent. No consent was given to this foul intrusion, and discovery of this breach didn't come for hours thereafter. Lights were left on...doors were left open...a clear breach of borders was evident! The time to strike was finally here! The local governor fired the first shot in the form of a strongly worded letter. It was dispatched to the imperialist power via certified mail, complete with return receipt...

I am writing this letter to address several issues that have come up over the past several weeks.
1. Rent increase.

I understand your need for the rent increase, since you stated that you can no longer afford the house. However, I do not think it is fair to charge the same rent for a second floor apartment as you would for the first floor. The first floor apartment is larger and nicer than my apartment. Also, since you’ve renovated the upstairs in my apartment, I’ve lost all of my storage space, where the first floor continues to have access to the basement to store personal items.
Since my rent is increasing to $750 starting in September, I can only assume it is because you value it as more than a one-bedroom apartment. Following that logic, I will have no choice but to look for a roommate to occupy the newly added upstairs bedroom. However, since there remains to be no electricity upstairs, I would imagine I would have a rather difficult time finding someone willing to take that room. If electricity is not restored, I feel as though I am not receiving the full provisions of the apartment, and would therefore have to withhold a portion of the rent until that issue is resolved. (RI Statute Title 34, Section 34-18-31).

2. Access to apartment.

It has come to my attention that yesterday, July 25, 2005, the realtor brought prospective buyers through my apartment. This was done without my consent. I am entitled to receive two (2) days notice before anyone enters the apartment. Doors were left open, and lights were left on. I seriously doubt the realtor is paying my electricity bill, so needless to say, I was very upset by this. RI Statute Title 34, Section 34-18-26 states: “A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days' notice of his or her intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.” Section 34-18-45 states: “If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct…”. I understand it was not you personally entering my apartment without my consent (which has occurred in the past), however it is your responsibility to make sure your realtor follows the laws as well, or I will have no other choice but to take legal recourse. The simple fact that you need to sell this property does not entitle you to trample on my rights to privacy.

3. Factual errors in house listing.

I’m not sure how much control you have over this, but I suggest you address this issue as quickly as possible as well. Attached, I’ve enclosed the most recent listing for the property at 33-35 Huxley Ave. I’ve highlighted the areas of the listing which I feel are either misleading, or outright lies. First, this is not a 3 unit dwelling. There are 2 rooms upstairs from the second unit of a 2 unit dwelling. There is no separate entrance to classify it as 3 units, nor is there a kitchen or bathroom in the “third unit”. Second, there is NO central air conditioning. If there is, I’d like to see it work. Third, the washer and dryer you have listed belong to my neighbor…they do NOT come with the property. Finally, the claim that units 2 and 3 have two bedrooms is lofty at best. Be honest; in unit 2, there is a bedroom on one floor, and a bedroom upstairs. Again, I’m not sure if this is an issue you have any control of, but I plan to contact the board of realtors, as it contains false information and could be considered unethical.

'Twas the Shot Heard 'Round The Block...the Winds of Change are sweeping through Elmhurst!!! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!!!