Apartment Storage Locker Theft (apartment complex, renters, insurance)

[Adunn96]

Hi there,

I live in a relatively small apartment complex. I noticed about 2 weeks ago that the front door was not locking. It has a key code you enter to unlock the door, but without entering the code the door was just opening freely. I reported this to the property manager via an online form and also called and left a message at their office. I never heard back, but eventually the door was fixed (not sure exactly when).

A week ago, I went to my storage locker (which I rent from the building for additional money). A major theft that occurred - locks were broken or missing, and the place had been sacked. I lost upwards of $500 worth of backpacking gear.

I reported this to the police and also to the property manager. Many of my neighbors have done the same. Is the property manager liable/responsible for our lost property? (Does the front door not locking play into this?) I do not, unfortunately, have renter's insurance.

And/all advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Flightoficarus87]

Sorry to hear this happened.

Pretty sure you would need to file a renters insurance claim to have a sure/good chance of receiving compensation for your losses. Most landlords require renters to have it (does yours not?).

Generally speaking, I'm pretty sure the property management company/landlord can not be held liable for any losses, unless you can prove they were involved/responsible. You might want to get ahold of the tenants union about the door locks to see if that would come into play or not (may be considered negligence on their end, but not sure/sure on where to go from there).

[notnamed]

A case for renter's insurance. Why in the world don't you have it? Get on that now.

[Adunn96]

My landlord never mentioned anything about renters insurance - and now its too late! I feel like an idiot, but please, is there anything I can do at this point?

[Ruth4Truth]

Get renters' insurance.

Is this building in some kind of marginal neighborhood, or something? That's really too bad, OP, but the management should do a better job about keeping the building secure. IDK if there's anything they can do about the storage lockers, if they're not in an area secured by a door that locks. Anyone can bring bolt cutters in the middle of the night, and rob storage lockers. That's not due to any negligence on management's part.

Sounds like you were negligent, in not insuring your stuff. Sadder, but wiser...

[eightbitguy]

Originally Posted by Adunn96

My landlord never mentioned anything about renters insurance - and now its too late! I feel like an idiot, but please, is there anything I can do at this point?

You can sue your landlord, which may or may not result in you getting a judgement against them.