Hiring A Habitual Felon For Maintenance

II live in MI, outside of the city limits of MT. Pleasant, but still a MT. Pleasant mailing address.

I was working as the "Property Manager" I was working more for the experience than pay..

The owner hired “Maintenance.” He lives on site. He is a convicted felon. The more this man talked, the more unsure I became, something didn‘t sit right. Then some things were said, that literally borders on slander, I was not happy. If someone in the business heard what he was saying, it could cause damage to my reputation, I worked too hard for this. I had a snit fit. I did threaten too sue, he is working as the landowners agent.

I had several complaints, someone spell pot…I can’t do anything about this, but went to the other side of the complex, the scent was there, but again, who knows where it was coming from.

The “Maintenance” man, talked of being barred, being in bar fights, of blowing people up, of threats he made to his ex, these things make me shudder.

I went to the court house. Used the public terminal, sure enough, this man has been labeled a habitual offender, he has several active PPO’s against him, he’s been sued for shoddy work, you name it, at this point, he is still on probation. However if he has PPO’s too me this indicates he can be dangerous.

I was extremely concerned, this man has a key to every unit we have, with what he has said as far as me being trustworthy (the slander) I was not happy, I was most concerned for the tenants, being a non drinker is part of probation. If you one of your felonies is drug related, and you’re out drinking in a bar, or simply getting drunk, that can open Pandora’s box.

He also works under the table. I complained that a cover was broken over fluorescent lighting in the hall, if someone moves in, and they hit the light it will shatter, what happens then, they act like I’m just trying to make trouble when before these things would have been corrected.

The land owner knew, she doesn’t care. Now every time, every time there is a problem, I am challenge, she brings someone with her. I have brought too her attention several items that need to be corrected, what ever I recommend the opposite is done, this is fine. This maintenance man, snow removal, I’m pretty much plowed in. I live in an area where the police are tired of being called because of a previous tenant.


However, issues like noise is getting out of hand, anything that I have complained about, nothing is done, or I’m basically called a liar, I mentioned at one point I was on the verge of suing because of things that were said. I complained about the water, she brings in another contractor, then sends me a letter, and the water company. She is covering her butt on the wrong issues, I just want someone to shut their mouth and I want people in the complex to feel safe.

Our lease has been up for a couple years now, I know we are on a month to month lease, she can evict us at any point however, I’ve never been late with the rent. I know she’s not happy with me.
I understand everyone is entitled to second and third chances, however, to what extent do you start them out when you KNOW they’re already breaking probation, and give them a key to everyone’s abode.

This is not low income housing, nor are we paying for a mansion, but she knows I can’t afford too move.

She knows what he is, she knows he’s on probation, she knows he breaks probation, if something goes awry, can she be held responsible? Can she evict me for complaining? No matter what I say is wrong, it’s met with a challenge, again, I did threaten too sue, but not for housing breakdowns, for the slander etc.

My guess is that you are elderly and on limited income.

If your neighbors like you it might not hurt to leave a little something under their door; something like a copy of his felony report and shoddy work lawsuits. Shoddy work=cheap for the landlady.

Don't use the mail slot as it requires postage.

Technically she can ask you to leave for any reason.

I'm not a gambler, BUT, I'd put a 'benjamin' on him spreading rumor(s) of your (dis)honesty as sort of a pre-plan. That way, when he starts victimizing apartments, the "fingers" will point your way.

Notice I put "...when...". If he's been ajudicated habitual, I'd say it's only a matter of time. I would imagine the pot smell is his doings? There's step #1.............

...it's too bad that the police have "yellow booked" you. You could always, instead of calling 911, call the narcotics detectives. You could also see if he is on Parole and call his Parole Oficer. You already know his name and number.

Keep what you say short and sweet. State the facts.

Thanks for all the replies;-). No, I'm not elderly, just a single mother, however I'm an old single mother, but not that old;-).

I enjoyed the "When he starts" this is the way I view it, not negative thinking but an educated guess.

Shoddy work = cheap labor for landowner, that I did not pick up on.

I have already called his probation officer (this time it was only pot, notice, this time) she understands where I am coming from, however unless she catches him in the act, or the police do, there is nothing she can do. She thought the idea of him having a key to the units was asinine.