New York State (not city)
Hello, I have an issue with my landlord, actually his property management company. I live in an 8-unit building where the trash pick-up is included by the landlord. One of the tenants in the building had been disposing of their trash improperly (leaving trash bags on the ground, outside of the containers), and the landlord does not know who is responsible. They have fined all tenants in the building because of this. I wrote the landlord a letter stating that I would not pay the fine as I always properly dispose of my trash. I also wrote that as there is no method of locking the trash enclosure, he could not be certain it is even a tenant that is responsible. He wrote me back saying that he will evict me if I don't pay this fine.
I don't see how he has any right to fine anyone - I thought that was left to police and courts. I told him that I don't mind going to court over this, but I really don't know who is right in this case. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Hello, I have an issue with my landlord, actually his property management company. I live in an 8-unit building where the trash pick-up is included by the landlord. One of the tenants in the building had been disposing of their trash improperly (leaving trash bags on the ground, outside of the containers), and the landlord does not know who is responsible. They have fined all tenants in the building because of this. I wrote the landlord a letter stating that I would not pay the fine as I always properly dispose of my trash. I also wrote that as there is no method of locking the trash enclosure, he could not be certain it is even a tenant that is responsible. He wrote me back saying that he will evict me if I don't pay this fine.
I don't see how he has any right to fine anyone - I thought that was left to police and courts. I told him that I don't mind going to court over this, but I really don't know who is right in this case. Any help is greatly appreciated.