A Day in the Life . . .
While I was collecting stories from property management professionals for my book, I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, I met a manager in Austin who shared an interesting tale about some residents who got creative with their living space after their marriage fell apart.
Punished on the Patio
Our management company had a pretty strict policy about how residents were to maintain their patios and balconies.
There was an apartment near the office where the resident had walled-in their patio using what appeared to be wood-looking siding material. It was a real eyesore!
We quickly posted a violation notice on their front door, informing them they were breaking the rules and demanding that they remove the structure immediately.
A couple of days later, we noticed that nothing had been done and the “wall” was still in place. Complaints from other residents were coming into the office and I knew I was going to have to go over and address the problem with them face-to-face.
Confronting The Resident
A frazzled-looking woman answered my knock and invited me inside where I explained to her that patio enclosures were in violation of the rules.
She told me that she didn’t know what else to do and tearfully shared that her husband had been unfaithful. Initially, she’d kicked him out of the apartment, but since he couldn’t afford to survive on his own, she’d agreed to let him live on the patio for a while.
She motioned me to the sliding glass door at the back of her apartment. Sure enough, there I saw her cheating spouse’s new living quarters. The small patio had been converted into what would now be considered the ultimate “tiny house”.
A Makeshift Effort
Sitting next to a low cot was an end table with an unopened box of saltines and a small reading lamp. Two cardboard boxes held men’s clothes and shoes. I felt a twinge of sympathy for the guy when I recognized a lone chair that matched the three I’d seen in the dining area. I guessed (and hoped!) the man had retained his bathroom privileges because I didn’t see any evidence that would lead me to believe otherwise.
Although I felt sorry for the woman, I had to insist they remove the structure and make other living arrangements for her errant mate.
While gathering the many stories for “I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!”, I found that several revolved around apartment balconies and patios. These covered areas help to make apartment living more enjoyable, but they also require maintenance from time to time. If you’re in need of expert help, please visit TheVendorGuide.com and search “Balcony Improvement”.
From the book “I Have a Complex, But I’m Managing It!”, stories from property managers compiled by Monica E. Simmons.
Monica E. Simmons, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JDC Enterprises, LLC, has worked in the multi-family industry in several different capacities since 1987. She is a published author whose books include; I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, It Happened in The Hill Country, 30-Love and it’s sequel, Match Point.
Contact her at: Monica@TheVendorGuide.com
