The Smith Family: Landlords, Leases, & Legal Fees

My name is Ariel Waters, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Smith family a long time. Unfortunately, on top of health and employment issues, their neighbors and landlord have turned aggressive. They face an uphill battle and need donations for moving expenses, child care for the tiniest Smith, legal fees, and a deposit on the next dream home.

When Ryan and Alanna first got together, it seemed like fate was at work. That two such generous, loving, smart, and empathetic people could find one another is a wonder.

Then, during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, they welcomed tiny miracle Evan into their family. They’d found their dream apartment, with plenty of space for their baby to grow and thrive.

Their apartment choice was meaningful and important – from location to layout. Evan’s (and their two fur-babies’) safety is always their top priority.

What they couldn’t choose was their less-than-stellar neighbors and landlords. For a while, they had the usual frictions of a three-unit building. Recently it’s gotten toxic – and I mean that way too literally.

At the end of last summer, they had to demand the building’s owners fix a severe mold problem. The landlords didn’t want to have it inspected, let alone pay to have it fixed.

I saw the plaster on their closet wall – It was buckled in waves, with sprinkle-sized splotches of mold all over. Something was leaking, and it was leaking a lot.

When the owners did decide to fix it (after a failed mold inspection), the family had to move out for two months. During that time, the landlords still hinted they wanted rent for the uninhabitable space.

They’ve had to deal with the neighbors screaming at them, making them fear for their safety. The police had to come out once to defuse an altercation. A few days later, their neighbors “accidentally” dumped a bucket out on the carpet by the front entrance.

It had bleach and ammonia in it – forming chlorine gas that seeped upstairs to the Smith’s apartment. The neighbors didn’t say anything about the spill in the common area, and left.

Accident or no, it meant their home wasn’t safe. Again.

Lanna – who had lung issues even before living with toxic mold and gas attacks – got the worst of it. Her breathing still hasn’t returned to 100%.

After evacuating the building, they contacted the proper authorities. The landlords were understanding… at first.

At least, that is, until the report triggered a building inspection. It seems they only had two units, despite having rented three for years. The inspector said they couldn’t have a kitchen or separate tenant on the third floor.

So, the owners suddenly told the Smiths that they needed to renew their lease. Only, the new lease was fraudulent – they wanted them to sign an illegal document. One that would let the landlords get around the township's regulations.

But, see, Alanna and Ryan are honest people. They don't want to help anyone defraud the city, let alone be put in a situation that could potentially make it harder to secure a rental in the future.

SO! The Smiths need to vacate their dream apartment by 10/31/2021! It warped into a nightmare so quickly, and they don’t have the funds to move.

Really… This family has been through the wringer recently, even before all this. Through loss, pain, and anxiety, they haven’t lost their giving and loving spirits.

And they’re too proud to ask for it themselves, but they need our help.

The Smiths’ goal for this money is to move to a new dream home. I’m worried they’ll need money for legal fees with how their landlords are acting.

But, most of all, I know every dollar will go towards Alanna and Ryan’s top priority – keeping Evan healthy and safe.

Who can say no to a face like this?

As we pass the hat to collect donations: If you can’t spare a dollar, maybe you can share this post with your friends. I know we’re all strapped for cash right now.

Still – every dollar and every share means so much to a worthy family.

Thanks all. Stay safe. ❤️