Fined by my apartment complex

[The4Aces]

My apartment complex today gave me and my roommate a fine for their being trash in “public areas” around our apartment. Basically this means that there was trash in the parking lot or in the walk way or in the grilling area. We didn't put the trash there so we don't feel like we should have to pay. Can the apartment complex force us to pay this “fine”? I don't think they can but I don't want to send off an email to the manager just to be put in my place.

Here is the email I was planing on sending the MGMT of the complex:

Hi,

My roommate and I got a "fine" today for there being garbage in public places. I would like to make one thing clear. We pay to live here. [appt complex name] does not pay us to pick up other peoples trash. If [appt complex name] would like for one of us to pick up trash in public areas then [appt complex name] needs to either a) decrease our rent or b) give us a paycheck. As of now we do not plan on paying this fine.


help OOT!

[Shadowrun]

bold strategy, how much was the fine, not that the sum matters
im just curious.

[Bork]

I like the letter, but you probably shouldn't put 'fine' in quotes.

[jessicaalbiel]

i like the email, post the reply

[grando]

"I would like to make one thing clear."

This is bad - be less abrasive

[xedin]

write a handwritten letter, it'll be taken more seriously.

[rjoefish]

When I rented from the place that pretty much controlled all the property around my university they had clauses like this, if there was excessive trash, or damage, or cleaning needed, and no one would fess up they would warn and then they would fine everyone in the building to cover costs equally. Never once heard of anyone actually getting fined. Sounds like something you can easily get out of.

[NT!]

your email is a great way to escalate the situation and make enemies.

first you need to make sure that it doesn't say anywhere in your lease that you are responsible for the area surrounding your walkway or whatever. if that's the case:

To Whom it May Concern,

We received a bill from your company today due to 'trash in public areas.' We did not place any trash in a public area, nor did any of our guests. Therefore we are surprised and confused by this bill, as we are not responsible for this problem and it is not covered in our lease. Please rescind this bill immediately and notify us in writing that you have done same.

[johnnylovescandy]

You need to talk directly with management about dropping this. A letter won't work. Have they issued multiple warnings prior to this fine?

[The4Aces]

There have not been any prior letters. Complex is mainly college students.

The whole complex is separated into like 20 buildings with 20 apartments in each building. All apartments lead outside where there are walkways. My apartment probably gets the most foot traffic of any in my building. It is near the stairs and is the first one off the street. This means there is alot of foot traffic and alot of opportunities for people to drop trash.

I decided to email rather then go meet in person or write a letter because if they don't respond to the email then I consider the issue dropped. I dont think the apartment complex will evict me over a $25 fine. Me and my roommate pay around $1110 a month for our place.

I am thinking about emailing the manager of the complex and asking for someone to be sent to pick up all the trash that other residents have left in my area.