ISO: advice re: tenant rights
Evening new neighbors,
New to ND. Signed a lease like 6x weeks ago... management company publicly displays qualifications & disqualifications online & prior to applying to include background checks, credit score, all the things. Applied for myself & kid. Approved. Signed lease, all moved in.
After a very recent & uncomfortable encounter with who I thought was the new neighbor directly across the hall 10ish ft away, I knew it in my bones what that feeling meant. Quick search on the ND registry & 1st name sharing the same address, creepy dude. My stomach fell through the floor.
I cross referenced the management's website & my lease to verify the wording that no such offenders are approved for their properties, which is clearly stated.
This is where I get stuck. After requesting clarification by management, the agent informs me said neighbor was here prior to their company acquiring the building "a few years ago" && "they were unaware" ... also included, when they obtain new buildings & people already live there, "they do not have access to records".... I questioned, "So, basically it is what it is?" To which she responded, "Ya"...
I was utterly speechless.
It didn't register until after the call that in most cases, leases are renewed annually. Not to mention, when a new company does take over- and a lease is renewed- would that not be grounds for backgrounds? Minimally, how can they directly advertise no convicted sex offenders, oh && no current probation or parolees are approved?
Unfortunately, I am far too aware of the abundance & likelihood that they are everywhere, but I also feel like If not me but my kid has the right to feel safe in their own home.
I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks for listening.