children playing - Landlord Forum thread 140321

children playing by EC (WA) on May 7, 2007 @21:26

The complex I manage is not very child friendly, there are a lot of stairs and very few places to play. I always obey fair housing laws and never second guess a family who wants to move in. Recently, some tenants have started complaining about children playing (unsupervised)in the parking lot. If I'm around, I tell the kids to play in the one grassy area we have. But, since I'm not always there, what do I do to make sure the kids don't get hurt in the lot? Should I put up "Caution, chldren playing" signs? Should I give notices to all tenants asking that all children are supervised when playing outside?

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Re: children playing by MyPropertyMyRules (NY) on May 7, 2007 @23:04

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Maybe both...

The "Caution - Children Playing " sign would be very helpful.

But now might that imply to tenants and children that the area where you post the sign is one that you're designating as a play area?
So that if, God forbid, there is an accident, then some tenant might wanna get funky with you?

(Perhaps I'm reaching, but just searching for any negative possibilities...*s*)

Also, I'd make the letter brief but put a little fear into it - something like

"we all are aware of the greater presence of children playing outside in the warmer weather and throughout the summer, but we MUST be mindful of the dangers.

Just a reminder of how extremely important it is for the children's safety that they be supervised at all times when playing outside...

or something like that.

(cause where they play and how they play is important)

Are there any playgrounds nearby?

Re: children playing by Anonymous on May 7, 2007 @23:21	[ Reply ]

The "Caution children playing" sign sounds like you are authorizing children in the parking lot. I'd send a notice to all tenants that loitering in the parking area is prohibited. This applies to children and adults and therefore doesn't violate any fair housing rules. If you see unsupervised children in the parking area after this, send a notice to their parents. You might also explain in the letter that "Outdoor play is permitted in the grassy area". (Again, no mention of children) So if the adults want to go throw a frisbee around, that area is OK to do it in.

Re: children playing by Terry (ca) on May 8, 2007 @07:42

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If you are in CA, other than using common pools, any 'restrictive rules' that apply only to children can cause FH problems indeed.

You didn't say what state you are in. Again..MTM agreements are a GREAT thing. If you have tenants who are really bothering other tenants...if it gets really bad and you are not in a "just cause only" City/State, you can just terminate the tenancy.

You could try a generic reminder to all tenants that the parking lot is for vehicle parking only PERIOD. No further elaboration. Not sure I would do it but since you wanted suggestions.

Re: children playing