Eviction over a car alarm?

July 10, 2004

I recently had a car alarm installed in my car. The first night I had it it was going off all night keeping me and my neighbors awake. I took in my car to have the sensitivity adjusted but had to make an appointment for the following day as they were booked. Later that evening my alarm sounded and my apt manager came over to complain about my alarm. I told him I was sorry and that I had an appointment for the following day to have it adjusted. He told me to disable the alarm. When I told him no he threatened to have me evicted by simply yelling "That's it, you are GONE!" That was the first warning about my alarm, but not the first threat from the new manager.

Later that night the alarm sounded a few times and in the morning I took it in to have the adjustments. The alarm is within specs and assume that means legal in the sound and noise requirements.

A few days later I receive a letter from the manage stating that I have had several written and verbal warnings about complaints that allegedly had been made about my alarm and my alleged "full knowledge" of more than 1 warning.

It has been about 3 weeks since the letter, but today I was served with a "notice to perform covenant or quit" 3 day notice. The documented times of the alleged disturbances with my alarm mainly take place as I arm and disarm the alarm upon departure and arrival. Several alleged complaints were when I was elsewhere, and I have now been bothered and annoyed by the manager over this because of unknown reasons or a strong dislike for me. The alarm is functioning properly and can provide such proof in witnesses, instal-techs, and documents. What kind of laws were broken to warrant attempted eviction, and what kind of recourse do I have on the grounds of harassment?

Stephen Keith
Los Angeles

EDITOR'S NOTE: This seems to be a civil matter ... but to be sure (and only for general info) I'd recommend contacting the Local Prosecutor (also known as Neighborhood Prosecutor) who's assigned to your community police station. Each LAPD Division has them, assigned to prosecute local misdemeanor cases. Because they're City workers, they'll not give you any legal advice, but may be able to point you in the right direction.