We have had continued "inconveniences" since we've moved to this apartment complex. We have experienced termites almost immediately upon move-in which resulted in 2 heat treatments where we packed up everything we did not want to be exposed to the heat (per the list that was provided, it was practically everything minus our large furniture). Having management act on our concerns took about 3 1/2 mo and a debate/argument. The third time requiring a heat treatment, we refused as it was too much to do w/ me being in physical pain and a toddler. They tried to sway us, but my husband continued to refuse. Finally, they sent a guy out anyway who did a spot foam treatment where we didn't have to leave. With the other treatments, management never supplied alternate lodging nor did they offer and when we did inquire once we were basically told that we were on our own. This has been between December to May (4 1/2 mo into our new lease at this time). In addition to the termites, we also have many spiders residing with us that also required a visit from the exterminator...and let me just say, that it didn't work. We also have a broken central air unit. We have gone to the office several times over this issue, again, having to debate the point re: it not working properly. Disgusted and upset, I called the on-site manager's boss. That lit fire under her. The vendor came out three times in one week, and found that the air duct (that's made of cardboard) collapsed. We deal with the manager's lies, her "forgetfulness", her excuses, and her attitude. To get anything done, you actually have to argue. Our water, trash, and sewer is paid along with the rent...it takes her a month or more to submit the payment to the service carrier resulting in past due/higher bills. Now, where our apartment sits, the walkway connected to our unit is crumbling on the underside and has already started to concave due to some leaking pipe. The railing attached to it leans outward. It's not stable as if anyone walking by from adult to child causes our living room to shake. Our water is consistently brown and/or shut off without notification. They cannot explain the brown water. To date, we have not been offered a new unit, but at this point we don't know about that. We would not want to move from one unit with issues to another unit with a lot more issues and be in a worse situation. We know what the lease says re: early termination, but is there protection or some legal rights that we have? Oh, mind you, the termites are back. They're in the bedroom ceiling now, by the light fixture. There are new droppings and a swarmer apparently shed its wings in there... apparently to have established that new home (we know well about the swarmers and wings. we, so it seems, moved into their home about 7 mo ago. lol, but nothing's really funny here). We're in san bernardino county if that helps someone point us in the right legal direction. Thank you.
Answer: Check out http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/index.shtml http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf is also informative and http://www.hud.gov/local/ca/renting/tenantrights.cfm ,ay put you in touch with the right people.
Category: Renting & Real Estate; 2010-07-25 22:08:20
2. Does this sound like a good charity idea?
I had an idea the other day for a simple, self-working charity idea. It's really no different than having a donation box set up, but just hear me out. Imagine you're a student at a university. If you're like me, you buy a soda pop almost every day before the first class. I always have leftover change from the vending machine that I don't want to carry around all day. What if they had a very simple container with magnets that attached it to the side of the vending machine, and I could put the change in there instead? Of course, you'd probably want a small sign above telling what it's going towards. I think vending machines can be either bought or leased from vendors... don't know if you can stick things on them. Maybe since change is going towards a good cause, people will be induced to buy something. A win-win for everyone. What do you think? How much do you think two 'units' at a university could make in 6 months? It would be dumped out every night, but I wouldn't know any ways for security...
Answer: Please they even steal the donation jugs off store counters. Why not put your change in a jug at home then bring it to the local food pantry at the end of the month
Category: Community Service; 2010-07-05 23:41:31
3. Return of security deposit (liable or not)?
Hi all! I rented a home for 1 ½ years on a month to month lease (in California). Good tenant/landlord relationship and gave proper 30 day notice. We paid the last months rent (April 15th payment) prior to us knowing we were moving and were vacated from the home 7 days earlier than the 30 days, which the landlord encouraged so that she could “rent” it as soon as possible. However, they put it on the market and are selling it. Yesterday I received my portion of the deposit back (30 days from the day I handed them the keys and we did the inspection; 9 days longer than the legal time frame). Out of $1200 dollars, I was given $355 dollars with a “repair” notice. I noticed that there were some things I was charged for that I am not sure I should be help responsible to pay. During our walk through inspection, I told her about the light fixture that fell when the windows were open and the wind knocked it out. I knew I should pay for that. She understood that and also noted that there were some minor scratches from the sofa and sofa chair in the living room. I knew that it would need to have some paint before the new tenants were to move in due to those “normal wear and tear” marks and also nail holes from picture frames. Also during inspection, she said that there was a need to repair the linoleum in the kids’ bathroom due to a leak I did know we had. I was asked if the master bathroom drains were still having issues and commented that they still drained very slowly even after they called the plumber to fix it. I also noted I was not able to clean the stove or the wipe out the cupboards. I shampooed and cleaned everything else in the home VERY WELL. Everything went well and the key was handed over. I was provided only an invoice with vendor name, vague description of charge and also amount. Here is what I was changed: •Bathroom floor repair •Bathroom floor repair AND shower repair (LABOR) •Bathroom floor and shower repair (PARTS) •Paint and primer for living room and dining room repair (PARTS) •Patching, painting living room and dining room (LABOR) •Cleaning oven, cupboards, dishwasher (LABOR) •Light housing cover I would have loved to know that they were selling the house.I could have also offered to do the work/repair/paint for them, since there was not real rush to help them get it ready to rent ASAP (and to avoid feeling bad for them not having an income from the rental). I would be ok with paying part of the paint total but I am not sure if I am liable for the full repair of the flooring/shower. I am not trying to get out of paying but I would like to know my legal financial obligation is. Thanks
Answer: I suggest you read CA civil code 1950.5, which handles security deposits in California. Here is a link: http://law.onecle.com/california/civil/1950.5.html The answer to your question ends at "9 days past legal time frame." In CA, a landlord must refund the security deposit and/or provide list of deductions within 21 days of the end of the lease/rental agreement (BTW, you did not have a lease, you had a month-to-month rental agreement; there is no such thing as a month-to-month lease). If the landlord fails to do so within the required 21 days, they automatically FORFEIT the ENTIRE security deposit, regardless of damages. Normally, your landlord would be completely allowed to charge you these things, but since she did NOT follow the law, you automatically get the whole amount back. Send her a letter, certified, explaining the civil code (include a copy, even), and explain to her that, since she took longer than 21 days to refund your deposit, she automatically forfeits her right to withold any portion of it. Explain to her that she has, say, 10 days to refund the rest of your deposit, or you will be forced to file a claim against her. If you do end up going to court, CA allows you to sue for TRIPLE the amount of your deposit. You will win. Even if you don't want to go to court, it might jolt her into actually obeying the law and sending you what it rightfully yours. California is so much different than other states regarding security deposits.
Category: Renting & Real Estate; 2010-06-09 14:13:32
4. Oakland Gun Control Laws/ Oakland Bounty Hunter?
1) How does a lisenced California Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent (a.k.a. Bounty Hunter) in Oakland obtain a CCW Permit in the city or buying only one pistol? 2) When it comes to buying ammo am I limited to how much I buy? 3) Since the City of Oakland doesn't have a gun dealer, can I buy a pistol & some mags from within the county (or State)? 4) Why are most people denied the right to carry any firearm with them or to obtain their CCW Permit? (Besides background checks, but really because of good cause) 5) PLUS what do these parts of the Oakland Gun Control Laws mean?: 9.20.040 - Record of ammunition sales. G. The thumbprint of the purchaser on the above record. The information required to be recorded shall be maintained in chronological order by date of sale of the ammunition and shall be retained on the business premises of the vendor for a period not less than five years following the date of the recorded sale of the ammunition. In addition, the required information in A-G above shall be transmitted electronically within 5 business days of sale to OPD by means determined by the Chief of Police. Federal, state or local law enforcement Oakland police officers may enter a vendor's premises during regular business hours for the purpose of examining, inspecting or copying records required by this chapter. 5.26.160 - Permit—Authority to inspect. Any and ail investigating officials of the city shall have the right to enter the building designated in the permit from time to time during regular business hours to make reasonable inspections to observe and enforce compliance with building, mechanical, fire, electrical, plumbing, or health regulations, and provisions of this chapter. A police investigator may conduct compliance inspections from time to time during regular business hours to insure conformance to all federal, state and local law, and all provisions of this chapter. 5.26.150 - Permit—Liability insurance and indemnification. No permit shall be issued or continued pursuant to this chapter unless there is in full force and effect a policy of insurance in such form as the City Attorney deems proper, executed by an insurance company approved by the City Attorney whereby the applicant or permittee is insured against liability for damage to property and for injury to or death of any person as a result of the sale, transfer or lease, or advertising for sale, transfer, or lease, or offering or exposing for sale, transfer, or lease, any firearm. The minimum liability limits shall not be less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for damage to or destruction of property in any one incident, and one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for the death or injury to any one person; provided, however, that additional amounts may be required by the City Attorney if deemed necessary. Such policy of insurance shall contain an endorsement providing that the policy will not be canceled until notice in writing has been given to the city, addressed in care of the Chief of Police, 455 - 7th Street, Oakland, California, 94607, at least thirty (30) days immediately prior to the time such cancellation becomes effective. Further, such policy of insurance shall name the city, its officers, agents, and employees as additional insureds. Additionally, applicants and permittees shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the city, its officers, agents, and employees, from claims arising from the negligence of the applicant or permittee. No permit shall be issued or continued pursuant to this chapter unless the applicant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees from and against all claims, losses, costs, damages and liabilities of any kind pursuant to the operation of the business, including attorneys fees, arising in any manner out of the negligence or intentional or willful misconduct of the applicant, the applicant's officers, employees, agents and/or supervisors, or if the business is a corporation, partnership or other entity, the officers, directors or partners. The rest of the Laws are right here: http://www.calgunlaws.com/images/stories… Thank you for reading this!
Answer: You will have to buy your guns and ammo in another city maybe even another state, get your permits in another city and county and good luck. You must remember, this is the peoples republic fo kalifornistan and we have no 2nd amendment rights here. Remember also that our glorious past dictator moonbeam who helped create this wonderful state, is from your area of the state. Remember the campaign slogan if "it's brown flush it down", well your friends up there for some reason continue to keep him in power so until he and the likes of him are gone we all suffer the consequences.
Category: Hunting; 2010-03-16 11:21:00
5. What is your opinion on this news item?
THIS IS USELESS CAMERA On any given day, 50 per cent of all traffic surveillance cameras Bangalore city don’t work It’s a shocker. Almost half of the 160 surveillance cameras installed at various junctions in the city to regulate traffic don’t work properly. This came to light on Thursday, when a traffic police constable attached to Adugodi traffic police station went to the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) from where these cameras are monitored. He was trying to get video evidence of a hit-and-run case that happened on February 26 at around 12.20 am near Koramangala BDA junction when a pedestrian was mowed down by a Swift. Unfortunately, the camera installed at that junction was not working on that day. * Nobody gets booked in hit-and-run cases partly because not all CCTV cameras are in working condition * Cops in the dark, as BSNL and camera manufacturer blame each other SERIOUS PROBLEM According to sources in the traffic police department, out of a total of 160 cameras installed, 83 were down due to one technical problem or the other on Thursday. On March 3, the number was 78 and it was 72 on March 2. On an average a third of the cameras are constantly down. “This is a very big problem for our department. Every day, almost 50 per cent of the cameras. Most of them don’t function properly due to problems with the cameras. Sometimes, the BSNL leased lines fail and sometimes it’s faulty power supply,” a senior traffic police officer said on condition of anonymity. It’s a moot point how, with such problems, the traffic police will be able to handle the Variable Messaging System (VMS) expected to come up soon at 20 junctions. MORE PROBLEMS In fact, cameras at five junctions have not been working for the last five to six months as miscreants had stolen the UPS boxes. Most of the time these cameras don’t work for days together. As it is, the cameras have their own limitations. Even if a traffic infringement is recorded, the camera can’t zoom in on the number plate of the vehicle. BLAME GAME Zaicom, the vendor of the cameras, tells another story. “All our cameras are in working condition. The real problem lies with BSNL leased lines. They have to finish the creation of Virtual Local Area Network (V-LAN) for the smooth functioning of these cameras. “Once they are done with this, we will have to change the IP address of our cameras,” Tavrez, a manager with Zaicom, said. Reacting to this, Bolgund, BSNL Divisional Engineer (Data), said, “Earlier, the entire system worked on a LAN. All installations such as cameras, signal lights and VMS boards were affected if something went wrong with one component. “To get rid of such nagging problems, we have started working on virtual LAN or V-LAN. Once it is in place, the malfunctioning of one component won’t affect the others. Not only BSNL, but all other service providers, including Zaicom should cooperate with us to address the issue as soon as possible.” COPS NOT WORRIED However, according to Praveen Sood, additional commissioner of police (traffic and security), the problem is not a big one. “We are working hard along with BSNL and other service providers to solve this problem. BSNL has already started converting LAN to V-LAN. With crores of rupees invested in the project, we will ensure that everything is in place,” Sood said. Source : English Daily Bangalore Mirror Dated 05 Mar 2010
Answer: Are you in India? I'm in England. The only thing I know about Indian roads is from watching Road Raja. Maybe if you didn't have independence I might have gone there to see.
Category: Current Events; 2010-03-04 17:20:15
6. They're gonna spank AIG...?
Is holding back $160 million from the $30 BILLION next to go to AIG (who many in finance see as the chief cause of the current mess we're in) as just as blocking/confiscating the bonuses in that amount going to the derivatives managers that actually created/traded the "toxic assets" in the first place? They still get their bone-us and we get, what? Does this satisfy your sense of fairness? Oh, and please don't yammer about "contracts" that must be honored, can't be modified. Especially in these times, contracts are being rewritten all over the place: the UAW contact, mortgages, other labor contracts, municipal vendor contracts, etc. Everything can be renegotiated with the right political pressure. Puh-lease!
Answer: As much as I understand needing to try to bail out these companies that done F'ed up, here is something that has been bothering me as well... We have these things called anti-trust and monopoly laws. One of the purposes of these laws are to prevent one company from controlling so much of a particular market.... ...the other point of these laws is to PREVENT A COMPANY FROM GETTING "TOO LARGE TO FAIL". We need to impliment some kind of policy that monitors these companies and if they are ever in this "TOO LARGE TO FAIL" category, then they need to get somewhat broken up or something needs to happen to prevent this from EVER happening again in this manner.
Category: Grade-Schooler; 2010-02-26 06:55:45