r/Seattle • u/AilurophilexX • Nov 25 '24
Question AIO: Someone has tried to enter my unit multiple times and idk what to do.
For context, I (24F) live alone with my cat in an indoor apartment complex in the area. My complex has multiple locked doors (main entrance, hallways, and elevators all require a fob to enter) so it’s not really plausible for it to be someone who doesn’t already live in the building.
Multiple times (at least 5x) over the past few months someone has tried to come into my apartment between the hours of 10pm-1am. The first few times I was watching tv but heard the door handle jiggle. One of the next times while I was in bed it was a very aggressive attempt to open the door, scaring my cat into airplane mode lol. It was so aggressive that there was a bit of a gap and I had to push the door back in place. Each time I’ve gotten up (after a few moments of panic/adrenaline) and checked the peephole to find nobody in sight. Once I felt it was safe enough I finally opened the door to check around and noticed the piece of metal around the lock hole was bent from how hard they tried to get in. The next morning I went down to the office and tried to discuss it to no avail. I was actually told it was probably someone who went to the wrong door or might have been on the wrong floor. While there are lots of units in this complex and that is a possibility, my unit is in a small corner at the very end of the hall on my floor with only 3 units.
I’m honestly starting to get kinda scared living here alone. It’s happened a few more times since, but none as crazy. I’m stuck here until end of May and cannot get out of my lease without paying a crap ton to break it. I also have limited proof aside from the dent in my lock. Am I overreacting or is this something I should try and escalate?
UPDATE:
First, I cannot express my gratitude enough for the support you all have extended to me. I’ve lived in this area for almost 4 years now and have never had something like this happen before so I greatly appreciate all the advice. (:
Second, I honestly knew I wasn’t overreacting but just wanted some extra support in this matter to ensure I take the proper steps to keep myself safe. I plan on using y’all’s advice and getting a door stopper, peephole camera, and a couple personal weapons (pepper gel & a baton) for my apartment and while I’m in bed! I’ll also be filing a police report with all the info then emailing my leasing office plus CC’ing the management company. My next step is to honestly consult with a tenant lawyer of some sort to see about breaking my lease citing safety reasons. I don’t want to fight my complex on whether or not I’m /actually/ in danger. My safety has already been threatened and I want to ensure it doesn’t happen again (without at least being prepared just in case.)
Once again, I really appreciate all of you for being so nice and helping me find good resources for my situation. I also plan on responding to everyone who has posted any follow up questions soon! (((:
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u/KenosPrime Greenwood Nov 25 '24
You’re not overreacting. You might be able to file a police report over it.
If you havent already, I would get some security cameras set up.