Q: Ladder outside my bedroom window. Is this against a reasonable expectation of privacy?
My apartment complex is replacing the roof and in the meantime maintance has put their ladder that they climb up and down all day outside my bedroom window and the complex didn’t give any warning that they would have noisy work going on so it has been interfering with my ability to work (I work from home) is any of this legal? Honestly the ladder bothers me more than anything, having strange men able to look into my apartment when I’m all alone. I’ve stayed up all night crying about it because I’m uncomfortable and can’t sleep because of it. Is the ladder placement legal?
A:
You do have a reasonable expectation of privacy, but even more, you have a reasonable expectation of safety. Take time to think through the problem, any possible solutions (like a better place to put the ladder) and then write them down, sign and date it, save a clear photo or scan of the document, and then give it to your landlord. Some people take the extra step to pay a little extra at the post office to make sure the landlord must sign for the letter to prove they received it.
If the landlord does nothing, you now have evidence that help you terminate your agreement and move out. If you want to stay, and the landlord will not help you, you could try talking to the construction manager to see if they might help. After that, if you still want to stay, your only option may be to cover up the window on the inside until the work is complete.
Good luck!
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