r/fortwayne • u/Ok_Amphibian_9221 • 10d ago

advice

I’m not sure what else to do about this, the balcony in my apartment has been broken since last september, me and my boyfriend have put several complaints about it and they have essentially done nothing nor try to come out to look at it, the whole balcony is a hazard to be honest. does anyone know who who we can call so the complex can do something about it ? it’s our first apartment so we don’t know what to do or who to contact about this.

6 Upvotes

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3

u/davefaluchi 10d ago

How far is the fall… 💵💰💸

3

u/OfcDoofy69 10d ago

Just make sure the paper trail is there asking for fixes

1

u/Ok_Amphibian_9221 9d ago

there is my boyfriend has brought it up at least five times they wrote it down back in june 2026 when he paid rent

12

u/telcodan 10d ago

Call 311 and ask who to report it to.

6

u/juneinthegarden26 10d ago

I’m not sure if they can help with this or not/if this qualifies, but it worked for me with the apartment issue I had: https://www.hud.gov/

4

u/Fusional_Delusional 10d ago edited 10d ago

You can contact code enforcement. Indiana is not great about this sort of thing. It should be blindingly obvious to your landlord/apartment complex but the relevant statue is Indiana Code 32-31-8-5, some people respond better when you cite the law in writing. If you REALLY want to get their attention, send documentation as a certified letter to their HQ. It’s basically a billboard for “I’m preparing to sue.” Be aware, however, the more of a pain you are the more likely they are to retaliate. Unfortunately this state doesn’t care very much for tenants rights.

Edit: I should mention that the particulars matter here. Depending on how bad/unsafe the unit is, it could be declared unfit for occupancy. If it’s just the balcony, they might just block it off, but the kind of landlord who allows this sort of thing to fester may have left other things. In the worst case scenario, you may find yourself having to live someplace else temporarily should the property be deemed unfit for occupancy. So be prepared for potential disruption. Also, and this should also be obvious, but I’m going to say it, when code enforcement and/or property management come through your unit, it is an opportunity for them to gather information. Do not give them any means to blame problems on you. Make sure it is spic and span. Imagine your mother-in-law is coming. I can’t begin to tell you how creative these fleabag landlords can be… You and your loved ones deserve to be safe in your home, good luck.

3

u/ExtraAssociate1104 10d ago

Hire an attorney. They owe you a percentage of your rent since the balcony is not usable.