Neighboring Tenants’ Escalating Actions

Location: New York

There is no smoking in our apartment building, the lease is very clear. Over the past three months I have sent three emails to my landlord that include: time stamped photos of drugs and cigarettes left in common areas, photos of our smoke filled apartment, a detailed log of these incidents, video of the perpetrator and relevant portions of the lease. He continues to “monitor the situation.” A few weeks later everyone is sent a letter to remind us of the smoking policy. We purchase expensive air purifiers, seal windows and doors, buy odor eliminating tubs and sprays and move on.

A few days after receiving the letter the perpetrators begin screaming outside. They blame each other for the minor warning and then threatened anyone else involved with physical violence. I send another email to the landlord documenting this two day incident. I received the usual boilerplate response.

About a week later one of the perpetrators confronts me on my way out. Despite never having spoken to him he blames me for his failed relationships and the letter. I don’t bother engaging and walk around him.

Two days later I catch the perpetrator trying to get into my car. He notices me and runs before I can take photos. I file a police report and send another futile email to the landlord. He is once again monitoring the situation.

Things continue to escalate despite my detailed documentation and refusal to engage with these individuals. I’d like to know what my options are realistically.