Job Discussion Forums

[osakajojo]

Our apartment complex we moved into are brand new-we moved in right after they were finished being built. One of the things I've really liked about our little apartment is that we have a window in our "loft"(the ceiling is only 88 cm or 35 inches high!!) that is nice to have open so that the breeze can come through. We have a window on the opposite wall too, above the back door, so it's been rather nice in this nice weather we've been having. The other day the management put an extra lock on it and didn't give us a key. We called later to get a key, thinking they had just forgot, and it turns out theyre not giving us one because somebody in the building peeped into the neighbors' apartment next to us and they complained. Isn't that crazy? Isn't it against fire code? Is there such thing as a fire code in Japan? I mean, I guess if there is a fire I could kick in the window. Why does the whole apartment complex have to suffer because of one peeping tom!? Is there anything else I can do?

[Gordon]

Pick the lock and leave it unlocked. Use a hairpin. If they complain, tell them it is safer that way, which it is. You could always install a curtain to keep out any peeps. How will a closed window keep someone from seeing in, unless it is a frosted window.

[bearcat]

I agree. Pick the lock or dismantle it.

From the way you made it sound, I wonder if the land lord did the same to other's windows as well or yours only?

Not being able to open your own window does seem like it would be inviting some sorts of violations. You weren't even asked or told of the occurance prior either right? Sounds very fishy to me.

[osakajojo]

[bearcat]

Have you checked with other tenants to make sure they as well do not have these key pieces?

Is it like an allen wrench or handle type knob you fit in to open it? If it seems to be a standard part by the manufacturer of the lock and not a true key in the key sense, you might be able to "order" the part from the manufacturer.

[osakajojo]

yea, it's a standard part and yes, all the neighbors are permanently locked too. We are probably the only ones raising a big stink over it. The management said worse case scenario they'll move us to another apartment complex nearby (but isn't brand new!!) if it's so unpleasant for us. Looks like the window will stay locked for good!

[Gordon]

I still say pick it.

[J.]

Seems to me the landlord has broken the lease by changing the environment and subtracted value from your apartment. Perhaps you may have cause to break the lease if you want, or you could try asking for a rent reduction because of the extra inconvenience and cost you will have to bear in buying fans and or using more air conditioning. I don't know the law but you might check it out. Good luck.

[osakajojo]

I picked it last week and it has stayed open every since.
Love that breeze!
by the way, it's a Leo Palace apartment.

[Gordon]

[osakajojo]

well, it has been one month since I reopened the window and the management has found out. they called and pleaded with us to shut it.

[bearcat]

More than that, I'd make sure you find a way to prevent him from putting another lock on it you cant pick.

Course there's a real down side to this that if there are any problems you need them to help out with, then they'll probably ignore it in the future.

The fact that a week later they discovered it makes me think something is strange that they'd be paying such close attention to the window(or the complaining neighbor.

If you discover its the people across the way who brought it to their attention, I'd poster up a picture of the young girl from the movie The Ring over the window so that every time they look out they get to see that.

Seriously, this has to be one of the more assinine things I've heard a landlord/neighbors complain about.

[JimDunlop2]

[osakajojo]