No compensation
Hey.
I was encouraged by a well meaning friend to talk to my management company about seeking compensation for all the extra work I’ve had to do as tenants have been told it’s okay to leave stuff in the back for me to take care off- it’s mostly been boxes to tear up and items to throw out or haul out to the front.
I wrote that email, outlined every point, and then asked if I could get compensation for the extra stuff I’ve had to do. I got the reply soon enough and was essentially told that though it sucks, my neighbors are likely not going to care if they’re making things harder for me. That I already receive enough compensation because when the building was originally sold they made the effort to broker it so my rent wouldn’t be as much as the rest. She even posted a link to the listing of another apartment here as proof. I did the math and pay 422 less, 472 really with my credit. She said if I wanted to stop what I’m doing and avoid the extra work I could do that too (but I’d obviously have to pay more in rent when I lose the credit it comes with).
I ended up thanking her for the confirmation and saying I’d continue it, then sat and felt sorry for myself for awhile.
@integrityblues
Hello 😊
Sorry that their answer wasn't as expected. If paying extra money is the key point, without other solution, it seems like the situation will continue that way, with neighbors doing nothing and you caring for everything.
If the cost is also an issue, maybe you can check if in your area there are more affordable rents?
Else, the current one is the best you can have.
Beside this situation of extra work, do you generally like the house and the place?
Do you think that your extra work is becoming something too difficult to manage?
Cheers!
I can handle the extra work for now, it’s just very frustrating. I’m a porter for the property but I don’t like the idea that someone is telling tenants to just dump stuff for me to take care of when it’s their responsibility.
I’ve been scared about money and renting and finding somewhere else to live maybe so this doesn’t make it easier. I feel like I’ve painted a target on my back and made them aware that I’m not as happy as I usually pretend to be.
I’m just going to wrap myself up in a blanket and try to take my mind off of things
@integrityblues
Yes I understand what you mean integrityblues.
I hoped there's a precise ''block regulation'' tenants have to follow, like it usually is for buildings. Apparently it's not so.
But it's not new that in every job people are charded with extra work that ends up not being paid 😔
That's why I totally understand the frustration, I wish you can deal with it without damage for your health both physical and mental.
You are welcome to come and share with us integrityblues, sending you good vibes 💙
You stood up for yourself. That matters. They may not have had the answer that you wanted, but you were absolutely correct in asking.
Try reframing what you are doing. You are building the community around yourself that you want to live in. Does that mean that people will take advantage sometimes? Yes. But I know that you couldn't live with yourself if you weren't trying to make the world a better place. You are bringing justice to your corner of the world. That matters. @integrityblues
Thanks bestVase. It was just another thing that made me feel bad. I’m trying to get back to feeling normal but I’ve felt off for a solid week.
I dreamt about finding lots of money in the trash and woke up feeling bitter, so I applied for a remote data entry job this morning. I’m waiting to hear from the DOR since I tried to call yesterday and start the process to reopen my case.
Think about what you just typed there "I was feeling bitter so I applied for a job". That sounds very much like a "take on the world and succeed" attitude to me. You are working to find a way to a better place. You should be proud of yourself. Knocked down and getting up. You are doing it. @integrityblues
You’re the best, bestVase.
Where there is a will there is a way. I am just encouraging to do what you are already doing. @integrityblues
Thanks
@integrityblues
Heya. That was a really brave thing to do, even if it didn't turn out like you expected.
I can understand that it sucks. It's not nice when people don't respect boundaries and encroach on your space, and it was only fair that you asked what you did. And while the response was perhaps a bit harsh, it still counts that you tried, and that you did everything you could at that moment.
Here's to hoping for better times and nicer neighbours ✨️ Feel free to hit me up for a chat any time! :)
Thanks.
I haven’t done the work in ten months after I tore my rotator cuff while holding onto a bus railing. I did the responsible thing and once I was sure I wasn’t going to bounce back, I told my management company to please remove my porter credit and assign it to whomever would be taking over. They’d offered it to the guy who was subbing for me but they offered only half so he said no. Another tenant took the job and he’s been hauling trash cans but not sweeping or raking. Other tenants step in an occasionally do that and it makes me feel odd, but as I’ve been healing I’ve had to accept that it’s gonna be weird to have other people handling the work I’ve done for over a decade.
I had to accept help from my aunt to make the difference the credit took from my rent payment and then pay my electric bill once my rent was increased (as it happens annually once a year not in response to me passing the responsibility to someone else).
My shoulder became good enough to have passed two months of PT but I have to practice the exercises everyday and continue strengthening and still see sports medicine for steroid shots.
I have had such a hard time finding remote work or work with no heavy lifting that I finally took the time and effort to become an IHSS provider for my mom. Now that it’s official I’m going to have to write an email to management telling them that I will not return to be the porter, that I’m just a tenant.
I’m finally going to get my back pay from September through January, but since I’m waiting for a large amount to be sent as paper checks I also made an appointment with the work incentive benefits counselor today to see what I should do to keep my benefits as I continue to provide care for my mom and job hunt.