A neighbor asked me for help...

[moribundman]

He's an old guy, about 80 -- let's call him "John." I've gotten along famously with him for the past few years. The landlord wants "John," who has lived here for 20 years, to move out, because "John" has driven out whoever lives in the apartment under him within short time for the past few years. You see, "John" is very sensitive to noise (to a large degree it is imagined noise, such as the ticking of a wall clock) and he will make it known when he feels disturbed -- knocking on the floor with a cut-off table leg and slamming doors all night long. It appears that at this point lawyers are involved.

"John" asked me to write a letter for him, supporting his claim that he has been a good neighbor and good person TO ME. Naturally, I do not want to get dragged into the war of neighbors. From my point of view, I have no issues with complying with "John's" request, and I am willing to write up something in his favor. The problem is, I got writer's block! Basically all I have so far is that "John" has always been very nice and kind to me, and that he has even gone out of his way and accepted and held for me packages that the mailman left when I was not available. I can't come up with anything else! I basically need a list of vague, nice things to say about "John." Got any ideas and suggestions? I'm merely looking for a way of filling a page!

 

[moribundman]

Nobody wants to touch this, and I totally understand. Julian, how about you? Got a few ideas and words?

 

[Pablo]

Tell the truth. As you did above.

 

[moribundman]

I better use a bigger font and double spacing...

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

"To my knowledge, John has never lured anyone into his dwelling, ended their life, and put the remains in the crawl space over his bedroom. To my knowledge."

 

[levi]

John has always demonstrated to me even temperament, good judgement, a quiet demeanor, and grandfatherly gentleness.

Say anything you feel is accurate. Key words are TO ME. You're speaking only for yourself.

After twenty years of paying rent to one landlord, the landlord needs to continue to be tolerant, and creative in finding someone who can share the building with John.

JMO.

 

[moribundman]

Hey, not bad, thanks!

 

[Johnny]

Tell the landlord to give "John" a months free rent and move him to a nice downstairs apartment. That way no one will hear him banging on the floor.

 

[Gary Allan]

Originally Posted By: Johnny
Tell the landlord to give "John" a months free rent and move him to a nice downstairs apartment. That way no one will hear him banging on the floor.


The simple solution

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

The fact that John has a good set of ears should be in your letter.

 

[Schmoe]

If his landlord is your landlord, I wouldn't jeopardize my standing with him. You may find yourself in the same boat at some point.

 

[Julian]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
It appears that at this point lawyers are involved.
Audi Junkie has already said quite a bit on this subject, and seems like someone to take notice of. Aside from the table leg, are you certain that John isn't being unfairly discriminated against? You can always check Westlaw.

The war of neighbors can be nasty indeed. It is sometimes better to let nature take her course. For example, say the landlord goes missing all of a sudden. John will get to keep the apartment, and I suspect you will just as suddenly have no difficulty thinking of nice things to say about him. Maybe this is the kind of problem that solves itself.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Johnny
Tell the landlord to give "John" a months free rent and move him to a nice downstairs apartment. That way no one will hear him banging on the floor.


When he bangs on the ceiling, he will make holes in it.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

Too right you are, XS650. I once had to work midshift and had to sleep with the rugrat upstairs running back and forth all day, every day. Sucked really bad.

Tread lightly through this minefield. Glad it isn't me. I only have to worry about the neighbors cats pooing in my garden.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: XS650
Originally Posted By: Johnny
Tell the landlord to give "John" a months free rent and move him to a nice downstairs apartment. That way no one will hear him banging on the floor.


When he bangs on the ceiling, he will make holes in it.


Yes, he surely would do just that. There is no way he can possibly live anywhere else but on the top floor.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
Originally Posted By: XS650
Originally Posted By: Johnny
Tell the landlord to give "John" a months free rent and move him to a nice downstairs apartment. That way no one will hear him banging on the floor.


When he bangs on the ceiling, he will make holes in it.


Yes, he surely would do just that. There is no way he can possibly live anywhere else but on the top floor.


Mori, you might suggest to John that he try earplugs at night or get one of those radios or other devices that play gentle waterfall sounds or other soothing sounds. IIRC they aren't very expensive.

Here's an example
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__ET005BLK

Something more table top sized than travel sized world be better.

The real problem is going to be convincing an 80+ year old man that he needs to change rather than expecting the world to change to fit him.

If you're feeling flush and generous, you might even buy one and give it to him.

An act of kindness and concern from you might be all it takes to get him to be more reasonable.

I think a positive but truthful letter from you saying what a good neighbor he has been for you delivered to him at the same time would help him accept the other help.

 

[Gary Allan]

hmm ..yes, moving him down is the un-solution

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: XS650
The real problem is going to be convincing an 80+ year old man that he needs to change rather than expecting the world to change to fit him.


Even "John's" two sons, who spend hours with their father every day, don't have any influence on his behavior. "John" does not listen to anyone, but he will repeat his grievances over and over to anyone who can't run away quickly.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
Originally Posted By: XS650
The real problem is going to be convincing an 80+ year old man that he needs to change rather than expecting the world to change to fit him.


Even "John's" two sons, who spend hours with their father every day, don't have any influence on his behavior. "John" does not listen to anyone, but he will repeat his grievances over and over to anyone who can't run away quickly.


That makes it worse, I was guessing part of his problem was a lack of contact with others.

 

[cmhj]

I'd not get involved with this.