Sometimes It Pays to Complain

[rusty_armour]

After three months, my super finally fixed the problems in my bathroom. It only took two separate work orders, a phone call and a letter to management to get some action. The sad thing is that this super is actually semi-competent compared to the last one. It might take a lot to shift him, but at least he can execute repairs properly when the time comes.

To make a longish story slightly less so, my bathroom tap and toilet were in a bad state. The tap wasn't just dripping: water was coming out in a continuous stream. While the toilet flushed, it took the tank an age to fill, so I couldn't really have anyone over. Well, my mom and sister both came to stay at different points during the summer, but they're family and they cut me some slack. Anyway, I was debating whether I should contact the Tenants Association next when I came home to discover a gleaming NEW sink in the bathroom! My super didn't just fix the sink: he replaced it! And it's a bigger sink with a cupboard underneath! And it's pristine white! And it's NEW! I almost wet my paints, I was so shocked and excited, which leads me to the toilet. That was fixed too! It has an ultra powerful flush and the tank fills quickly. Well, fairly quickly. It's a helluva better than before in any case.

I'm not sure if it was my letter to management, or if the super just happened to get around to the repairs. The cynic in me suggests that it was the letter. In the past, contacting management has been the one way I've been able to ensure some action. So...the moral of this strange story is that complaining can work sometimes. Leaving a nasty note under your super's door can do wonders too, but I wouldn't recommend it as your first course of action. I mean, it worked the one time for me with my previous super, but diplomacy is probably a better option.

Umm...why am I suddenly giving advice? I'm the last person who should give advice. In fact, I've just managed to get myself into yet another jam. A friend of mine is trying to find someone to look after her cat for two weeks. Look after as in take the cat in. Now, as many of you know, I love cats. However, this particular cat is psycho. Don't get me wrong. She's adorable and really quite affectionate. However, she puts the Energizer Bunny to shame and gets into everything. I'm sure she'd tear the place apart...Fortunately, my friend wasn't happy to hear that my balcony window doesn't have a screen (though I'd obviously keep it closed if the cat did come to stay) and said she'd be calling other people. I really really hope she finds someone else!

Comments

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your bathroom woes - I had similar problems a few months ago, and my kitchen sink still isn't working as fast as it should. But I think the super was quicker to respond than yours. Well, the assistant super - who I find infinitely more friendly, and I generally wait until her working hours to report problems (I don't think I'm the only one who does this.)

My real complaint is that the landlords - WJ Properties - keep raising the rent above the legal limit (rent controls only mean the landlord needs to submit some legal paperwork, it seems), and I haven't seen any improvements to justify the increases. In fact, two of my friends live in a different complex run by the same company and they seem to be living in the lap of luxury with indoor pools, a gym that isn't merely a dumping ground for broken equipment, etc.

Oooops. This was supposed to be about your complaints. (g) Well, I'm glad the sink was fixed and I hope the Energizer Bunny finds a good home.

Allen

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Hey, Allen! I wish I had an assistant super! Sounds like it's a little easier to get things done! My super's working hours are 9-5, so I have to call him if I actually want to speak to him.

Despite having an assistant super, I think it sucks that WJ Properties keeps raising the rent above the legal limit. Compten tried to pull that stunt about four years ago, I think. Fortunately, I have a pretty good tenants association and they fought the issue tooth and nail. In fact, my rent hasn't gone up at all in at least two years. I think it's because of competition from condos and a higher vacancy rate.

I hope that the Energizer Bunny finds somewhere else to stay too!

[espirk.livejournal.com]

Yay for your new sink and better toilet!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly! Yes, I'm pretty happy about it too! :-)