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View Full Version : critter problem - what to do?


rockandroller
03-19-2008, 09:57 AM
In my apt complex, you are given one carport space per household. There are hundreds that go empty/unused as most people prefer to park right in front of their building, but management claims there are no extras and all the empty spots are paid for, just not being used.

Our apartment building borders a large woods filled with critters of all varieties. The critters cause problems from time to time - chipmunks have chewed through phone wires outside and the racoons are so tame they walk right up to your patio screen door and stand and push on it to get your attention because they want some food.

Because my spouse does not have a carport, his car has been subject to a lot of damage and subsequent repair because of the chipmunks and such that get up into it and chew through things like the windshield washer tubes. This morning his car wouldn't start at all and when he opened the hood there was a big, fat racoon sitting in the middle of the engine.

I love animals but management claims they occasionally put out traps, will do so again but that other than that there's not much else they can do. If he could park in a carport like me, he would not have this problem, as they are away from the wooded area, but management refuses to issue another carport, even though hundreds of them sit empty every day. Do I have legal grounds to force them to give us another carport due to the problems with the animals?

Also, I wonder if this damage would be covered under renter's insurance?

Any insight would be helpful.

ohiolandlord
03-19-2008, 08:58 PM
I'm not sure that a carport would help unless it would keep out the animals. Renter's insurance may cover the damage done to your car or it is more likely covered under the comprehensive portion of your car insurance. Problem is - the damage may not add up to your deductible.

I would consider getting some other tenants together and see if they are having the same problems. You may be able to sublease a carport from one of them. Or you may be able to all pitch in and hire an animal trapper to start catching and removing the animals.