Curfew at apartment complex? (San Antonio, Austin: renters, to buy, school)

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

As one that lives in a neighborhood with a very disrespectful neighbor that has loud people on their lawn late at night, I WISH the neighborhood had a curfew. It's not "big brother" cracking down. It's the complex trying to look out for the folks living there, as to not be bothered by disrespectful idiots, which seem to be very common these days.

This is a good thing.

I never said anything about Big Brother. Some apartment managers think they're God, though and need to be reminded that they're not.

As a parent, I would never let my kids out after 10 pm without me. I would never let them out without me in an apartment complex at all. Imagine, however, that there's a rule that kids can't be out after 10 pm and I have to take my daughter to the hospital, and my pothead neighbor complains that I had my kids outside after curfew, undoubtedly because I complained in the past about his stereo. Then I'm given a warning for violating my lease...imagine having to ask the hospital for a note so I could prove to the apartment complex that I had a legit reason to have my kids outside after 10 pm. That's not just restricting my kids freedom, but mine as well.

If there's a curfew, it needs to be clearly worded and it needs to be part of the lease paperwork. Otherwise, to me, it would just be a suggestion and wishful thinking on mangement's part.

[skeet09]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

As a parent, I would never let my kids out after 10 pm without me. I would never let them out without me in an apartment complex at all. Imagine, however, that there's a rule that kids can't be out after 10 pm and I have to take my daughter to the hospital, and my pothead neighbor complains that I had my kids outside after curfew, undoubtedly because I complained in the past about his stereo. Then I'm given a warning for violating my lease...imagine having to ask the hospital for a note so I could prove to the apartment complex that I had a legit reason to have my kids outside after 10 pm. That's not just restricting my kids freedom, but mine as well.

The apartment complex should know the details of the ordiance but if they don't, they are exceptions when a youth needs medical care and other instances: Sec. 21-123. Defenses on City of San Antonio Juvenile Curfew
The hospital release paperwork should suffice with the apartment complex on your exception if they request it.

[kevcrawford]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

I never said anything about Big Brother. Some apartment managers think they're God, though and need to be reminded that they're not.

As a parent, I would never let my kids out after 10 pm without me. I would never let them out without me in an apartment complex at all. Imagine, however, that there's a rule that kids can't be out after 10 pm and I have to take my daughter to the hospital, and my pothead neighbor complains that I had my kids outside after curfew, undoubtedly because I complained in the past about his stereo. Then I'm given a warning for violating my lease...imagine having to ask the hospital for a note so I could prove to the apartment complex that I had a legit reason to have my kids outside after 10 pm. That's not just restricting my kids freedom, but mine as well.

If there's a curfew, it needs to be clearly worded and it needs to be part of the lease paperwork. Otherwise, to me, it would just be a suggestion and wishful thinking on mangement's part.

I think you're probably overthinking the rule and it's point. I'd be surprised if you ever got a reprimand for taking your child outside with you. Why don't you just talk to the manager for an explanation of the rule, instead of overreacting? Nobody's putting you on house arrest. They're just trying to keep people from congregating outside at late hours. It's nothing to do with your "freedoms".

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Originally Posted by kevcrawford

I think you're probably overthinking the rule and it's point. I'd be surprised if you ever got a reprimand for taking your child outside with you. Why don't you just talk to the manager for an explanation of the rule, instead of overreacting? Nobody's putting you on house arrest. They're just trying to keep people from congregating outside at late hours. It's nothing to do with your "freedoms".

I'm not even the person who lives there All I was saying was that the OP needs to ask for clarification of the rule in writing.

And is it really children under 16 creating the disturbance in your neighborhood? I know in mine it's all the rowdy adults.

[rd2007]

It's probably a combination of the two, which is pretty common around these parts. Irresponsible "parent(s)" raising irresponsible kids and a lot of them at that. It's just a vicious cycle that will probably never stop.
I would also support a proactive management like this complex appears to have. I know the group in charge of the apartments my son lives in are about 100% worthless when they need to take action.

[michellesatx]

I did call and ask the manager and she said "it's a city wide curfew" and I said Alamo Heights doesn't have a curfew and then she said it was a community rule and that's all the information I got out her. I will try to get more out of her Monday.

[rd2007]

I love it when names change like that... wonder where she learned that one from?

[smuboy86]

Are you sure that you are in the city of Alamo heights? There are places that have the 09 zip code or have AHISD schools that are in the city of San Antonio.

[sapphire]

[quote=michellesatx;18740343] My kids are 11,3,2 and they are in by 10pm but I don't think the manager should be able to tell me what to do with my kids. /QUOTE]

So.......it's just the principle? Because, really, why would you go to all the trouble of calling and posting on here if you have a handle on your kids? I'm sincerely asking. I guess I don't understand what's really got you all worked up. Are you planning on living there forever?

[majormadmax]

Originally Posted by rd2007

It should be a way out of the contract if you want to leave, but as far as private property, I'm pretty sure they can do almost anything as long as they don't discriminate based on one of the established factors; kids aren't one of them either..

Agreed, although if it's written into the contract I don't think that gives the tenant justification to break it. She should have read it beforehand...

But complexes are private property and have the right to set rules and regulations for common areas. It's no different than the pool or play areas in many communities...

Cheers! M2