I have a new enemy...

[Froward69]

This post encouraged me to mention it.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8813439


At the begining of the summer I was chatting with my new neighbor we BOTH are landlords with comparable Buildings. (Built at the same time, same floor plan/design they were once the same property, I digress) Once the conversation turned to politics suddenly we were not so friendly... he is ardent republican. I expressed the need for regulation of business he disagreed.
well in the mean time he jacked up his rent rates and emptied his building. (then complained they were leaving) overspent on refashioning his building and then the clientele he attracted keep him running. As well as he runs 1-4 vacancies a month whereas I tend to stay full.

I had a couple vacancies at the same time as he and turns out I rented mine to people who had seen his first.

well all summer long I have had the authorities called on me/my property... Fire marshal about fire escapes/new windows... building inspector about age and upkeep... code enforcement about grass too long bushes not trimmed... Health department about cockroaches/bed bugs... etc etc

well I was in my garage this last week and one of these new tenants was pulling out. The neighbor was in the alley and stopped her... I overheard the conversation.

neighbor: why did you decide to rent here instead of mine?

Tenant: Well because (Froward) reduced my deposit to be more affordable than yours and Froward was willing to do a 9 month lease instead of 6mo or a year plus Froward's rents aren't as steep as yours.

neighbor: Oh well you know he (froward) is in trouble with the Fire Department health department and the city engineers? apparently they are about to shut him down... So when you need a place in a hurry give me a call.

Tenant: oh ok I gotta run...

then off she drove. (she did not close the garage door as she knew I was just inside the door.)

Incensed I stepped out and angrily stated "ahh so it was YOU calling every agency you could think of to get me in trouble. WHY?"

neighbor: well "I thought you needed to deal with "over regulation" to learn why regulation strangles business."

I blasted back. "I passed every one of their Special inspections you called and reported! I have NO violations! Then You lie to one of MY tenants about it to get her to move to your overpriced firetrap. You are an Asshole."

neighbor: "Business is cutthroat. You Liberals do not know how to make it in business. If you can't handle it, get out. I am in business to make a PROFIT. you obviously are playing games."

I responded well when former tenants call looking for a place I will no longer give em your number. BTW you have three that came from me but NO more. he looked puzzled. like he hadn't a clue who they were or really that I was nice enough to send them his way.

GOD I miss Ms Jacobson (she is the former owner of next door.) She and I were the same in that we both see land lording as renting a home to someone.
She couldn't keep up her building or afford to pay me (she would insist) any longer, she is 85, sold out and retired to NM.

My republican neighbor thinks that tenants are all marks to be preyed upon or otherwise taken advantage of.

Mutherfucker!!! HE is why when countries fail the new dictator rounds up and shoots all the landlords.

I just needed a vent... Thanks.

[SpiralHawk]

1. Wow what an Asshole - he is a Compleat Republicon

The bastard landlord next door is showing all the traits of Republicon Family Pharisee Values.

No wonder Americans have turned their backs on the corrupt, mean, lying, small-minded, FAIL Freak, Republicon Homelander Chickenhawks.

[Subdivisions]

2. K&R. n/t

[MrScorpio]

3. A perfectly demonstrated case why we should NEVER apply right wing "business" practices

It's the asshole model

[niyad]

4. may this bastard receive everything he deserves.

I suppose you could turn the tables on him, or post about him in a blog. although, it seriously sounds like he will be going away soon.

[Froward69]

11. either he has a huge bank acount to keep

paying his mortgage or he will fail as Neither Building can sustain running more than two vacancies per month EVERY month.

What he does NOT know is I have been in the same place for 15 years now... I know the clientele and the neighborhood. (bohemian, Gay or starting out/over.) his rents are more in line with settled career people.

[Hawkeye-X]

107. What neighborhood?

So I know to refer to you when my friends needs a place to live. I know one that is currently looking for a new apartment after she got jacked big time and

[hedgehog]

5. Doesn't lying to your tenants fall into the category of slander?

[Divernan]

103. It is indeed slander, a spoken untruth which damages your professional reputation and good name.

Generally, to collect damages in a civil suit for slander (spoken) , you must prove quantifiable damage, i.e., that someone decided NOT to rent from you, or stopped renting from you because of your neighbor's lies. But perhaps you could get a cease and desist order against him. Liberals can play the hardball game too. Talk to the various inspection agencies he's called on you and tell them of his statements to your tenant, and his admission to you. Ask them what the penalty is for filing frivolous complaints, which waste not only your time, but theirs. The sad reality though is that the more complaints they receive, the busier they are, and the easier they can justify their annual budgets. If they have no interest in prosecuting frivolous complaints, then you could start responding in kind by filing your own complaints against him. That's a very stressful way to live, though.

He really sounds such a heartless bastard - exactly the kind of mindset demonstrated by the moneygrubbing GOP. All those sanctimonious pricks who call themselves Christians!

[niyad]

6. ah, I see you are in denver. would you like me to come up there and picket his property for you?

[Froward69]

14. Thanks but no

I think it will be fun plastering my building (every year) with DEMOCRATIC yard signs. As Capital Hill is Democratic to the core... his rethug signs (If he puts any up) will get trashed that night.

[Alcibiades]

62. Be sure to put up a video camera

Good odds that someone like him will not be able to resist trespassing in order to remove your signs.

[lunatica]

7. Be glad you're not like him

You'd have to suck out half your brain and all your compassion to be at his level.

[blogslut]

8. Can't he be sued for slander?

Or at least be sent one hell of a nasty letter from your lawyer? Not to mention his numerous complaints against you to city authorities. Isn't there a law against people doing that as a matter of retribution?

[Froward69]

16. The City guys of course never tell

who complained. BUT they do get leery when called repeatedly for frivolous claims.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

110. intentional interference with your potential business

and clients.

different states call it different things, but it is an actionable tort.

[elehhhhna]

111. tortious interference, ah yes. Harassment, plain & simple.

[Greyhound]

9. The sad thing is that he is right. The system we've built rewards the worst behavior and punishes

conscientiousness. Now you are left with the choice (and I have no doubt you'll keep making the right one) of doing good or doing well. On the scale you're talking about it is possible to remain good, but as the stakes get higher, more and more people are forced into the bad.

Have you retaliated?
:kick: & R

[Froward69]

12. not yet

Revenge is best served cold...

[MrScorpio]

19. Revenge is my specialty

Consider me at your disposal for suggestions

[elehhhhna]

112. me too (also a Scorpio!) we do revenge very, very well.

[MadMaddie]

33. That is the behavior that escalated over the previous administration

Failing upward with bad behavior and no professionlism.

How do we break this cycle?

[Lint Head]

10. Wow. Awesome. People like you are true heroes. You are fighting

the battle against unpatriotic greed and cynicism. Thank you so much. It's encouraging to us all when we see people like you speak your mind and demonstrate true integrity.
You are now one of my personal and unsung heroes.

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. Bless you for being a good landlord

[JVS]

15. It is cut-throat. Cut his. Let everyone know how much lower your rent is than his and scare off...

all his customers. He is in no position to survive an open price war with you.

[Froward69]

18. YES as my Mortage is 15 years paid

his is six months... I bought at 300,000 he bought at just over a million. (same building different color)

[safeinOhio]

43. Show him the way.

Give your tenants an across the board $10. reduction in rent and see if the local paper might be interested in a human interest story on it.

I love all of my enemies, the more I disagree with them, the more I love them. They were all sent as a gift to me as perfect examples of how not to live. Now go out of your way to be extra nice to the man. You'll now be able to do it with a wonderful smile on your face.

[daleanime]

72. I love those last couple of lines!

"perfect examples of how not to live." Great way to look at it!O8)

[T Wolf]

27. Agree. You cannot change this guy's mind. Only option is to minimize the damage he causes.

Put him out of business.

You benefit. Tenants will benefit.

Win-win.

[JanMichael]

17. Go down to your local city hall and complain about frivolous complaints.

It costs quite a bit of money every time a call comes in to complain about a code issue. If one source is doing this and the results are always "no problem" then there's a very good chance he could get a call from the city attorney's office.

Make him pay for his misuse of public funds.

[Froward69]

22. The last code enforcer

stepped in some dog poop. On the neighbors side of the line. He was pretty upset about it. I said I usually have a cut up milk jug out there hanging off of my Front porch filled with plastic bags for dog owners to pick up the poop with... (come to think of it, it DID disappear at the beginning of summer)... Any way two days later the neighbor put up a fence around that little patch of green with a "Keep off the Grass" sign on it... I think it has started to come back on him.

[JanMichael]

26. If that's the case and they have caught on the next step is the attorney's office.

Or better yet you mention that the area is pretty liberal so why not contact your council person and see what they can do? Either that or sometimes it helps to call the city manager's office directly to make them aware of the problem. They will then talk to the code enforcement people and something should happen.

Also if code enforcement is a division of the Planning or Community Development Department then call their director directly. Explain the issue, leave politics out of it, and see what she or he can do.

This all goes back to the misuse of the city's resources which is typically frowned upon in most places.

[Contrary1]

20. How about a nicely made sign?

"Guaranteed lower rental rates than comparable properties"

Like he said...business is cutthroat. Since you already offer potential renters a better deal, you are only advertising what you already provide.

And the main idea is just to piss him off anyway.

[MrScorpio]

21. Thumbs up

Good call

[Froward69]

25. Ya know as I do not mind my tenants "partying"

on the front porch. (especially in summer as long as They clean up) everyone comes by, and my manager is well known in the neighborhood. The word is spreading... I think the neighborhood will eat him alive.

...side note I do hope he holds on long enough... for me to position myself, to buy his out of foreclosure... :evilgrin:

I just couldn't muster the financing to buy it off of Ms Jacobson and she needed all the cash she could get.

[jtuck004]

88. LOL - you "liberals" don't know business...

"...side note I do hope he holds on long enough... for me to position myself, to buy his out of foreclosure..."

Can't help but wonder if those blinders he wears rub his skin raw at times...

[pinboy3niner]

23. Good for you!

Escalation is not the answer, though. Remember one lesson of the gangster movies: when everybody goes to the mattresses, it's lose-lose.

Why not make him an offer he can't refuse? Not like The Godfather, LOL. Just point out to him that if he keeps calling the authorities on you, and you start calling them on him, you'll both suffer a lot of needless aggravation. Ask him to agree to a peace and call off the dogs. Live and let live, and you'll both be a lot happier, if he'll agree.

Good luck!

[Froward69]

28. ya know the more I think about it

I think he will get his via Karma. the neighborhood is interlinked and I suppose the word will get spread. (yes I am helping with a whisper campaign of my own.) About how much of a ripoff he is.

[Capitalocracy]

86. It's not a bad idea, considering

the fact that his building isn't up to code and he'll have to start shelling out cash to fix things if he gets inspected. He might be more than willing to call the whole thing off to avoid that. Actually, the right thing to do might actually be to call the authorities, you don't want your neighbors living in a building that's not up to code (or, to put it in more selfish terms, if it catches fire it'll damage your building!)

[elleng]

24. Slander

(what he said to your tenant.) A way to show him how NOT to behave.

[Froward69]

29. I spoke with her the very next day

and offered to show her my certificates. She countered. "I know these old places have their problems. EVERYONE says YOU are the best landlord they all have ever had. you fix what breaks as soon as possible... or so they say. So I feel confident you are on it. besides (he) seems creepy to me, What was he doing out in the alley anyway?"

I do not know what he was doing in the alley. I haven't seen him lurking about either.

[elleng]

34. If you're ever interested, you can let him know what he did WAS slanderous,

and make him aware that YOU're aware of your rights and how to be a GOOD businessman!

:hi:

[Froward69]

36. Thanks I will mention it.

I will see him again eventually, I just won't go over to say it specifically.

[HillbillyBob]

76. Tiger Direct.com has surveillance

with DVR recording. I would suggest one of the 4 camera systems and mount them high enough and not exactly out in the open where they can be damaged and keep an eye on him..
I had neighbors like him before.
It ended when they tried to burn the house down, but since this had been going on for almost a year I was wary and started keeping a loaded 12guage shotgun behind the front door(loaded with baconrind/rock salt loads..not letal unless you are less than 4 5 feet from target. If I had had access to security cameras I would have had evidence against them to use in court, of the name calling, threats against my person and property, then very expensive vandalism, slashed tires broken windows, and they used my own lumber to make a cross to burn.

Mighty loud a 12g is intimidating to most anyone, you don't have to actually shoot most of the time all you have to do is show it like you mean it.

I am not actually suggesting you get a gun. I am saying get cameras to record any goings on like vandalism..it does'nt take much for a puke to start destroying others property. You know they think that they own the f in world.

[Froward69]

78. like i said

I refuse to get paranoid. my manager is armed. I do not live on site but I am now VERY interested in surveillance cameras. (watch online and DVR record.) none pointed at tenants doors but at common areas...

thank you for the lead on a good system

It just occurred to me that I (may) still have keys to his property. (including Boiler and electrical rooms...he does not know THAT)

but I refuse to stoop to his level.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

105. Costco.com has good video recorder/camera sets.

I think now you can get an eight camera set with a DVR recorder and split screen for $400 or $500.

We have a four camera one, well worth it.

[Occulus]

114. I just looked at TigerDirect for you- check THIS out

Night Owl FS-84500 Network DVR Security System - 8 Channel, H.264, 500GB, 4 Cameras, Smart 3G Cell Phone and iPhone Access

$350 after rebate

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6391796&Sku=N247-1042

* Video Compression: H.264
* Operating System: Linux with Simple Point and Click Interface
* Video Input: 8 Channel BNC
* Video Output: 2 BNC and 1 VGA (BNC to RCA Cable Included)
* Audio Input / Output: RCA 1-Channel / 1-Channel
* Display Frame Rate: 240fps – Full D1
* Recording Frame Rate: 240fps@CIF
* Display Resolution: VGA (1024x768 or 800x600) BNC (704x480)
* Record Resolution: D1(704x480), HD1(704x240), CIF(352x240)
* Record Modes: Motion Activated, Continuous, Sensor Activated and Time Schedule
* Display Modes: 9 Channel, Quad, and Single Channel
* Audio Alarm Modes: Motion Detection, Video Loss, HD Error and Full
* Playback Options: Event, Time and Date
* HDD Capacity: 1TB (pre-installed 500GB)
* Backup: USB 2.0 (USB; Keys, HD)
* PTZ Control: RS-485, Pelco-P and Pelco-D
* Mouse Control: Yes (mouse included)
* Remote Control: Yes (remote included)
* Multi-Tasking: Triplex (Record, Playback, and Remote Access Simultaneously)
* Network Interface: RJ45, 10M/100M (Ethernet Cable Included)
* Network Protocol: Supports TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, DDNS, PPOE
* Internet Viewing: Internet Explorer 6 or Higher (5 users at once)
* Mobile Phone Viewing: Smart Phones on 3G Network Including (Windows Mobile Pro, Symbian S60 V3 and iPhones
* Compatible OS: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7
* Power Supply: DC19V, 3A
* Operating Temperature: 40°F - 110°F
* Dimensions (L*W*H): 11.8" x 9.8" x 2.4"

Camera Specifications:

* Image Sensor: 1/4" Color CMOS
* Resolution: 400 TV Lines
* Number of Led’s: 11
* Length of Night Vision: Up To 30ft
* Lens Type: 6.0mm (42° field of view)
* IP Rating: IP-65 (water resistant)
* Length of Cable: 60ft per camera
* Signal: NTSC
* S/N Ratio: >48dB
* Minimum Illumination: 0 LUX
* Effective Pixels: 510 * 492
* Power Supply: DC 12V
* Operating Temperature: 14°F - 104°F
* Dimensions (L*W*H): 2.0" x 3.0" x 2.0"

That seems like an AMAZING deal, and exactly what you need. Motion activated? Night vision? Embedded linux OS? Yes, please.

[Dappleganger]

123. IMO he shouldn't speak to that landlord ever again.

As anything he says will probably be turned against him. As hard as it is sometimes the only way to communicate w/assholes like that is through an attorney.

[snagglepuss]

87. I'd talk to a lawyer right away. It's straight-forward slander. Sue his ass.

[johnaries]

30. You should thank him for all the inspections. Now you have PROOF

that your buildings are clean, safe, and up to code.

[Froward69]

35. I do wonder if he is talking shit to perspectives

I will just put it in my sales pitch. "Along with utilities included, I have been thoroughly inspected and can show you all of my certificates."

NO matter anyway I have NO Vacancies, NO notices to vacate nor any one complaining enough to suspect they would skip.

[MadMaddie]

31. You handled that well!

If he keeps up the slander and calling the authorities you may need to get legal representation.

[northernlights]

32. Hold tight. Keep doing what you are doing...

he will put himself out of business soon enough. Keep your eyes and ears open for the karma kickback that is headed his way; the universe will deal him far better revenge than anything you can come up with. Shit on a boomerang :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Toucano]

37. Damn! What a total douche!

Amazing story, truly.

Is there anyway to get him on making false complaints to the authorities?

[Warpy]

38. The city inspectors should be starting to figure out

that this bastard is harassing you. If you can get him on tape (unlikely), you've got a case to sue for harassment. If not, just mention to every inspector he manages to send your way exactly what is going on and (once you pass inspection again) suggest the more appropriate address to inspect is his. Odds are that he hasn't been keeping things up if he sees being a landlord as milking a cash cow.

He's being petty and vindictive because people who looked at his place preferred yours. He probably thinks, in his tiny, reptilian mind, that you've somehow stolen tenants right out from under him.

Neighbor problems are the worst thing to have, ever. I would suggest cutting off communication with this POS. Unless he steps up the level of harassment and starts calling the cops, the DEA and the IRS, it's the best you can possibly do.

However, do keep a record of conversations and visits by various agencies. If he steps up the harassment, you're going to have to sue to get him to knock it off.

Good luck.

[lib2DaBone]

39. Conservatism is a sickness... lie, cheat, steal..it's OK! God wants it that way...

Republicans are Psychopaths. We saw that with 8 years of NeoCon rule. ANYTHING goes as long as it benefits them.

[southernyankeebelle]

40. You could of sued him in small claims court with your witness. Republicans only know how to

cheat and not play fair.

[w4rma]

41. If he wants to play cutthroat, then play his "game". Don't let him know, though.

He really doesn't deserve to be in a profitable business since any of his profits are, apparently, coming from con-games.

[Froward69]

48. couple of things...

my sister hit it on the head just now at dinner. she asked ne "How many christmas cards from tenants did you get last year?" I said "I dunno maybe 7-10." she said "next year plaster all those cards in the window facing is building."
~ good idea I thought.

My brother chimed in. " so you know his building pretty well helping Ms Jacobson? I said "yeah" bro said "well call what you know is in violation in on him." I said That's what I was thinking... then again he took possession of the property after the Boiler was shut down for the season. (I shut it down) I will refuse to help him light it come Fall." bro said is it like yours? I said "yup two stage with a hidden pilot one must know where it is to light. Or (because of the safety features)it will never stay burning." we laughed. as that's the plan...


I really cannot wait to see him blow a couple hundred for some one else to come light his boiler.

[w4rma]

51. Awesome! (nt)

[caveat_imperator]

96. re: boiler room

I wouldn't go into any room with that guy without backup supporting me. We all know how quick many rethugs are to decide on violent solutions when they're losing at life.

[BreweryYardRat]

42. What an incredible asshole. People like that are a waste of flesh and resources.

Perhaps some tragic accident will happen to him. Or he'll commit suicide.

[BlueIdaho]

44. Some people think there is no real difference between Democrats and republicans...

If I remember right, that's how we ended up with W... By minimizing the very real differences between his "compassionate conservatism" and the broadly democratic ideal of moving forward together. As we learned, W's republican propaganda was neither compassionate, nor conservative. It was the very worst of unrestrained corporate capitalism - a world view where the strong devour the weak and call it just another day in the office and a world where greed is celebrated and compassion is laughed at.

[Flying Dream Blues]

108. Great point. Compassionate conservative=oxymoron nt

[applegrove]

45. That is one sick man. They truly do think their lives are better if they diminish somebody elses.

The same as any psychopath.

[tavalon]

46. As a renter, I can concur

that it's wonderful to have a landlord who cares about his place and listens to us. We keep up his place (that's just my way, anyway, but it's harder when it's thankless) and he is non-intrusive but responsive. This house has poor sound dampening but we're staying right where we are because we've been in houses where the owner was absent or a pain in the ass.

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. What a dickhead

Have you considered filing a complaint against him for harassment?

[Froward69]

49. not really as

I only learned of his shenanigans this past Thursday. if it keeps up I certainly will.

I have already ordered my manager to 1) (come winter) NOT shovel that walk and 2) just after you Finnish ours... call his in as Icy and uncleared at 9:15a ( As ordinance is; the walks must be cleared by 9am the day following the end of snowfall.)

He will get his.

[gristy]

50. Wow. I'm sorry you had to deal with this guy.

Just awful

[Triana]

52. Republicons, like the corprats they so adore....

...are psychopathic parasites.

[Gold Metal Flake]

53. I hope you can stand another suggestion.

This guy is an asshole. We are pretty clear on that.

You know he has tried to hurt you using the city, so you know that he wants to hurt you. This is a very serious enemy.

Considering what he has done so far, and considering that he knows you now know, and considering that you are still there and that must infuriate him, what do you think he might be willing to do next?

Vandalism? Maybe set up a code violation timed to be seen by another code enforcement visit?

Suggestion. Start monitoring the premises. Cameras and a dedicated computer are pricey. But on Ebay and elsewhere they have outdoor light fixtures that have tiny cameras on them. They take pictures either based on movement or at regular intervals and then you just plug in a memory stick to remove them and browse them on your puter. If he's messing with your shit you must have pictures. I guess you gotta look into what sort of signage you need to have so that any pix of this guy doing something illegal is admissable in court. Also, if you do this, be sure to clean up around the building extra well and add some amenities like another poobag holder and other useful things that will delight your tenants but piss off the puke. Give him a little push.

[JHB]

55. That occurred to me too: how far is he going to take "cutthroat"...

Vandalism, engineered code violation, maybe even arson?

Protect yourself, monitor the premises, build up a paper trail of his harassment, and make sure he knows you are not "playing games" either, and if he decides to take "cutthroat" over the line and you have any "unfortunate incidents", he will be Suspect #1.


And just thinking about Gold Metal Flake's post, setting up another poo bag holder and keeping a hidden camera on it to catch him if he removes it would be part of such a trail. It may only work once (I can see him paying a kid a few bucks to "prank" you), but once might be enough to unequivocally establish he's messing with your property.

[Froward69]

63. I seriously doubt arson...

engineered code violation possible... Vandalism of some sort is a weekly occurrence not broken windows but graffiti/taggers...

My manager knows about Colorado's "Make my day" law and how deadly force can be used to stop/prevent an arson. BTW my manager IS armed with my permission and as we have gone to the range together, he knows how to use it.

in so far as an engineered code violation, that possibility is rather remote. (especially now that I have been inspected recently and so thoroughly.

Now I have begun a an index card incident file and have begun carrying a camera around. just to have evidence. As well as I have sent my cop friend an email about it...



I refuse to get paranoid over the situation... yet an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

[flyarm]

54. what a nasty jerk your neighbor is!! sorry you have to deal with him!! eom

[NC_Nurse]

56. Wow! What a jerk! Sound like he'll be out of business soon. At least, I hope.

Ugh!

[Demeter]

57. It's the Same Old Enemy, Froward

the sociopath, psychopath, greed-is-good, I got mine, FU GOP.

I hope he gets his soon. I hope they all do. Before the world is destroyed.

[midnight]

58. Neighbors like this are bad enough, but some of us have republican relatives like this.

[chillspike]

59. You should call every agency on him!

I bet he doesn't care enough about his tenants to pass inspections! YOU'RE playing games???

What an asshole!

[Froward69]

65. I am sure with the fine structure

he will keep up and be certain to pass regular or special inspections. his greed dictates it.

as well as as his building had to pass inspection to be sold. (I helped it do so for Ms Jacobson) it is too soon to assume he has let anything slip.

I am sure he sees Greed as "relative" ... as in without any real definition. like more than "enough to feed/house oneself and family" would be where I would draw the line as where greed starts. he most likely thinks college tuition for his grand kids is still not enough.

[draa]

60. If you can find

people in your neighborhood or town that he has been saying this bullshit to, you can find a lawyer and sue his ass. Slander, Defamation, Stalking, and Harrasment just to name a few. A good lawyer could add much more. Do it.

[Enthusiast]

61. I've encountered

several Republicans like that guy. They are typical really. Your story illustrates how greed doesn't always equal more profit. Reminds me of one of Aesop's fables.

[ismnotwasm]

64. Fucker

"You liberals"

What the fuck does he think he is, some sort of powerful demon opposite? Actually he sounds mentally unhinged. No wonder he's a Republican

[90-percent]

66. One word

Predator

-90% Jimmy

[HughMoran]

67. I can't imagine being in a similar situation

I smile at people who say stuff like that (smile in front of them :evilgrin: )

[bonnieS]

68. I am a tenant activist in NJ

and it really warmed my heart to read your post. You will always have tenants as you are a decent person.

Once, I received a letter at my organization's office from a landlord with a large check inside. He said that he had been a terrible landlord and then he itemized how. He wanted to make amends so he was sending US a check. A kind of AA move for a landlord.

I think it was the best, and certainly the most memorable, letter we ever got.

Good luck and keep on keeping on!

[riverbendviewgal]

69. You are a great landlord and you remind me of my old ones

I had good landlords when I rented a house for 22 years....I decided to buy a home when my husband died and my landlords cried and asked me to stay on.

They were wonderful landlords. Just like you.
The rent was honest and reasonable, They fixed up whatever was broken and let us paint ourselves but deducted from the rent the cost of the paints and our labor.

They gardened in the yard as it was over an acre but gave us so many veggies.
I still keep in touch with them after 10 years of not being their tenant.

What goes around comes around. I hope you can buy the next door guy out.
Somehow I know you will succeed.

[TlalocW]

70. Use your certifications (or whatever they're called when you pass an inspection)

As a selling point or in an ad campaign.

TlalocW

[Zambero]

71. He loathes gov't but unleashed it in order to hurt his competition

This guy sounds like an absolute hypocrite, and a delusional one at that. You'd think he'd come to his senses and adopt your business model, which WORKS, but a mix of stupidity and greed apparently preclude such a step.

[thucythucy]

73. Do you know any good lawyers?

Consulting with an attorney might be a good idea at this point.

First off, spending some cash now for a consult to determine your legal options may save you a substantial sum in the future. I know there is this cultural thing about hating attorneys, but in point of fact I personally have always benefited by getting legal advice at the front end of a potentially sticky situation, laying out the potential legal benefits (and liabilities) of taking one or another course of action. For instance, you’ve received a lot of advice on this thread (most of it good, I think) about how to document a potential suit for harassment or legal action. An attorney familiar with local law and the local courts would be able to tell you specifically the best way to compile a paper and digital record along these lines.

The second reason for seeing an attorney would be to explore the possibility of sending a “cease and desist” letter to stop the harassment. This would be a notice on your attorney’s letterhead, and delivered via certified mail, informing your neighbor that you are aware of his harassment, and will take whatever appropriate legal action required to stop it, should it persist or escalate. This would serve two purposes: a) scare the crap out of your neighbor and b) it would become a part of the paper trail needed in any potential future action, admissible in court and available to the police. (It might, for instance, be useful should you decide to take out a restraining order, prohibiting your neighbor from harassing your tenants). You might want to include in this note a reference to your tenant noticing him “in the alley” and her account of his spreading malicious gossip about you. Your attorney would be able to tell you whether such a letter should be copied to the city officials he’s been contacting. Or, he or she might counsel that you send a separate letter to the city, saying essentially, “It has come to my attention that my neighbor Mr. so and so has been calling in complaints... I know this because he told me this personally....” This would recount your conversation with him, including his explaining that he is deliberately calling in allegations because he doesn’t like your politics. This may or may not stop the harassment (city officials are probably required to investigate most any allegations—especially alleged violations of fire codes—no matter what source) but it will, again, make this story a matter of record, and might prove useful in the future.

Best wishes, and best of luck.

[Lisa0825]

82. +1

Great advice.

[Altoid_Cyclist]

74. Let's see... which one of these guys would I rather rent from?

Option #1


Option #2


I think that I would have to choose option #2.

[Froward69]

77. Ya know at the end of "it's wonderful life"

the hero gets bailed out without asking... that very same thing (in smaller proportions) has happened to me more than once.

I know I will be OK... I am just glad I now know where the enemy camp is. (and his tactics)

[Altoid_Cyclist]

89. As the old adage goes:

Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

It's good to know that there are still good people such as yourself around.

Some days are almost enough to make one give up hope. Thanks for sharing your story, it is encouraging to know that some people still give a damn.

Hopefully the Karma train will soon pull into your neighbors station and deliver a dose of justice.

[HillbillyBob]

75. I don't know what city/ county/ etc you are in

but false reports by the asshole puke neighbor can be charged as frivolous waste of tax payer $..I suggest you call the city/county and tell them you over heard him admitting to trying to fuck you over.

Use to be I would try to talk to a puke..now I would just as soon punch em in the face.

[KansDem]

79. Oh, the irony! "Invisible Hand" capitalist used socialist agencies to harass you!

Fire marshal, building inspector, code enforcement, health department...all taxpayer-funded! :rofl:

[Froward69]

81. yeah I find it supremely ironic

I am beginning to find the humor in it.

[pattmarty]

80. I can't add anything of value, you said it all with "mutherfucker".

[unpossibles]

83. good for you and how typical

in my experience, most conservatives expect everyone else to be the same cheats they are, therefore don't hesitate to play dirty (and illegally) by justifying it as their part in a "dog eat dog world" of course. They never stop to consider that they are often the ones initiating the problems.

[RainDog]

84. If I were you

I'd get the person who was on the receiving end of his attack to give a notarized statement. I'd also write down and note that he admitted to you that he had called the various agencies to try to interfere with your right to conduct business and that he had defamed you to another person - and then I'd tell him about these actions and also tell him that if he continues these same tactics you will go to a lawyer with the information you have.

This will build a case for precedent for actions he may take in the future.

If he continues, I would nail his ass to the wall, if I were you. You'd be doing a good deed.

[kestrel91316]

85. I'd sue his ass for defamation.

[pauldp]

90. Doesn't matter how you play the game as long as you WIN!

That's the sociopath Republican way.

[DirkGently]

91. Great illustration of why Evil doesn't = "pragmatic"

[bobburgster]

92. Even for a republican he takes assholism to a new level!

BTW, I love the way you responded to him....

"I responded well when former tenants call looking for a place I will no longer give em your number. BTW you have three that came from me but NO more."

Absolutely perfect!

[texastoast]

93. K&R

So. Tell me. Does he go to church? Just curious.

[librechik]

94. They complain about regulation but they are the first to call a lawyer, the health department, etc

when it suitys them. For people who claim to hate government, they are experts at getting everything they want from the folks in charge.

[Uncle Joe]

95. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the sharing, Froward.

[earth mom]

97. Turn about is fair play-call the inspectors on HIS ass.

Karma is a bitch!

[truedelphi]

98. Hang in there.

Thank you for fighting the good fight.

And remember - it is perfectly legal to write out a description of all the battles you are fighting with the lcoal regulator police, and how well you are passing them. Explain these inspections were probably brought about by a neighbor who has lost the ability to rent at higher prices/deposits than you do. (Or however you need to word it.)

Post it on the wall in a commons area or mail to each person individually.

Maybe write a letter to the editor as well.

We renters love our good landlords, and hate to see them worn down by the Tea Bagger crowd.

My neighbor (Republican) wants our landlord to cut down two healthy trees, while the ones he cut down, some of them fifty fifty inches in diameter!, have been lying in his backyard, drying out for the last three years, ready to combust should there be a fire. This is illegal according to fire marshall and local Housing Association. And every structure he has built on his place is not permittted, the gazebo, the privacy fence, hsi green house etc.

[Jakes Progress]

99. The very model of a modern major republican.

In other words - an asshole. A lying, hypocritical, greedy, immoral asshole.

[RoccoR5955]

100. Isn't that what Capitalism is all about?

Being to rip off anyone who comes around, for your own personal greed?

You are certainly a bit Socialist in nature.

[dem mba]

106. oh please

ripping people off isn't capitalism, it's called graft or fraud. its illegal, as it should be.

at best, this guy is acting unethically which ironically, tends to be quite bad for business in the long run.

[RoccoR5955]

119. Well if it's not what Capitalism is about, then please enlighten me.

I always thought that it was making profit, by charging whatever the market will bear, to maximize profit. This is another way of just saying that Capitalism is nothing more than ripping off people for whatever they will part with for whatever you are selling.
If I am incorrect, please enlighten me.
Thanks in advance.

[dem mba]

125. I never trudged my way through Wealth of Nations

by Adam Smith but I have a funny feeling the book isn't about how to 'rip people off'.

Maximizing profit is in no way 'ripping people off'. If one person will buy an apple everyday for $1 and another will buy it for $2, then the apple merchant is not ripping anyone off if he raises the price to $2. This is basic supply and demand. If someone is ripping you off by charging too much, don't buy their frigging product. Take your business elsewhere.

Now another merchant can sell apples down the street for $.50, which is below market value. His motive may be to gain market share, or perhaps to sell pears for $3. Is this merchant ripping people off?

And what of corrupt socialists or communists? Why are they different than corrupt capitalists? I have yet to see anyone on DU say that because the Chinese or Venezuelan governments are corrupt communism/socialism should be completely discredited. It doesn't make sense to do that of course, yet that argument is applied whenever someone breaks the rules of capitalism. It's a ridiculous double standard.

Anyone who truly rips people off is either doing something unethical or illegal. In either case, their business will eventually suffer.

[RoccoR5955]

126. So how about if all the apple sellers get together

and sell their apples for $5 each? Aren't they all ripping people off, if they collude like this. This is what is happening to this capitalist system. Collusion, and greed are killing it.
The oil cartel is doing just this, and they are not suffering. It's just capitalism at work. Rip 'em off for whatever you can.
Too many people are trying to make a killing, when they should be just trying to make a living. So now, some people can't even make a living, because the greedy are killing them.

[dem mba]

127. collusion is illegal

as is price fixing. i feel as if you're criticizing boxing because there is too much ear biting going on. um no, ear biting is illegal, and if you do it and are caught by a judge you are penalized/disqualified. likewise, you're criticizing practices that are ANTI-capitalistic and using that to indict capitalism. that makes no sense.

[RoccoR5955]

128. It may be technically illegal, so what about OPEC?

Who's prosecuting them? They certainly are capitalists. And what if you contribute giga-bucks to said judge's campaign, or pay them all off?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

101. "You Liberals do not know how to make it in business..."

I guess that's why the renters who saw both places chose yours. What a sorry nitwit.
I can't help thinking there must be some law against reporting non-existent violations in an effort to harass someone. It wastes the time of inspectors and makes for less efficient regulation.

I'm sorry your neighbor is such an asshole.

:hug:

[Hawkowl]

102. I'd send a letter to his bank

If you know who holds his mortgage, I'd send a letter to his bank stating he had a high vacancy rate and was having trouble making his mortgage. I'd also contact his insurance company and ask to what limit he is covered for defamation of character and loss of business.

But, I really admire you for taking the high road.

[femrap]

104. Your asshole neighbor

is the rule and you are the exception. I rent and over the years, I've noticed a real sadistic quality from owners/managers. They just want to do as little as possible and get as much rent as possible. They're a combination of greedy and lazy. No one wants to do anything for a tenant...like call the damn exterminator if a tenant has bugs.

I call my current owners/managers the Gestapo. And I live in a over-55 community. We're treated like bratty children when we ask for a service to be performed.

And they're always threatening us w/ 'inspections' and 3-day evictions.

I'll be leaving in the fall...try to find someone else to treat me like shit. Or try to get the basics of a home built and finish the insides slowly as money comes available.

Thank you for being a good landlord.

Karma will get your neighbor.

[madmax]

109. k & r

[kaiden]

113. He must be crazy to mess with you like that.

I've met you (at Racine's) and you're a pretty big guy, Froward. (And cute -- did I mention that?)

[Froward69]

115. Why thank you Kaiden

If I remember correctly so were you... ;)

[Hawkeye-X]

116. Yes, yes, she is, and a sweetheart too.

:)

You were the bald one, right?

[Froward69]

122. no I was the big bad fat one

on the Harley

[gauguin57]

117. Call the police (paid for by our tax dollars) and report the a-hole for harassment.

What a tool. I have a feeling karma will be biting his butt one of these fine days.

[Buddyblazon]

118. I just realized this is in Denver.

Awesome. I work over at The Fillmore (on stage right now for the Silver Sun Pickups). It's always nice to meet people in Denver online.

[branders seine]

120. typical rapublican.

they are vermin who need to be eliminated from our species.

[flvegan]

121. My bag of dirty real property title tricks runs very deep.

The enemy of my friend is my enemy too. PM me if you'd like some help.

Sorry you're going through this.

[Froward69]

124. Thanks but no

I refuse to stoop to his level... besides I think karma is coming around quick... I do know he was cited for dog poop. and he called the cops on my front porch partyers. the cops that showed up... one I not just went to HS with but also played FootBall with. when the tenants on the porch said they had permission from me and who I was... I got a call and invited to a beer... I explained to my badge wearing (now Sargent) friend... and wha-la... I am pretty sure the City is now watching HIM!