Apartment advice needed?

Question

A few days ago I posted a question about people loietering around my door & steps at my apartment. Since then the office sent out a letter saying that they noticed a lot of loietering going on & that the breezeway to our apartments are for exit & entry only. Well, the letter worked for about 1 day. The same guy & his buddies keep on hanging around my door & the steps to my building. I called the cops tonight & they came and talked with the guys but the guys didn't leave. Someone explained to me that as long as the guys aren't doing anything illegal the cops can't do anything...can't even make them leave. My parents told me that I could move back home with them, but I really like living on my own. I can't find any other apartments for as cheap as I'm paying now. What can/should I do? Should I complain to the office yet again? Should I move back home with my parents (I'm almost 29) or should I just accept the situation. When they are out there I don't feel comfortable going out.

Answer 1

Ah, this is a job for something stinky.  I once cleared an entire waffle house with one little bitty stink bomb.  If you can't find one, doe urine will work about the same.  You can buy it at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods section.  That should run them off to at least some other breezeway

Answer 2

Something to consider is whether or not your level of discomfort is proportional to the men out there. Decide what exactly, you are uncomfortable about? If you think that there is a potential for violence, in spite of any precautions you could take, then perhaps you should move to any safe harbor. That includes your parents. I am so glad that they can be there for you like that!

To continue to direct attention to them in any way that is not completely anonymous, is to invite difficulties, possible property damage, or even risk to personal safety. The fact that you are already concerned, shows that you are aware of the potential of the situation to escalate.

Is is possible to get a tazer, a pepper spray? Even better, a roommate, or a dog? Would any of those things help?

One of the precautions I was thinking of was more or less to acknowledge them and force them to acknowledge you. Hold you head up, meet their eyes, say good morning, afternoon, evening, comment on the weather, show no fear. If they are predators, they will smell the discomfort as weakness on their prey. They will sense confidence (not arrogance) as another power, like themselves.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Did someone from the police tell you they can't do anything?

I'd talk to the landlord again.  Tell him that if he can't make them leave, you request to be moved into a different safer apartment.    Also, if they are outside making noise after hours, you could call the police for loud and disorderly conduct.

Answer 4

I do not mean to sound rood.....but where's your phone and friends...........who are these guys........do they know you....are they trying to get to know you. What do they look like....bad boys........get your 29 year old friends and move them.....do they have a car.......have you done anything to draw their attention........good luck.......could say a lot more buttttttt....Ask some of your male companions what they think......know what I would do at 29............all the best