Dear Harriet: I currently live in a so-called “luxurious” apartment built last year and I pay a fair amount of money for rent.
Unfortunately, my room is absolutely frozen and it’s almost impossible to feel comfortable in my own home.
I was already offering maintenance to seal the windows and walls, but that hasn’t solved the problem. I have multiple meetings with management and hope they are responsible and provide solutions, but they keep telling me there is nothing they can do.
This apartment is advertised as a luxury property, so I feel like it’s being used, but the living conditions are not standard. I have tried to use a space heater, but it’s not only pushing up my electricity bills, it’s still not solving the problem.
I don’t know what my rights are as a tenant in this situation, or what steps I can take to further escalate the issue.
Is there anything management can do to take accountability or defend themselves in this situation? How do I make sure I’m not paying that much for a house that doesn’t meet the basic standard of living?
– Too cold
Dear Too Cold: It’s time to attract your local government. Call 311 and report your lack of fever. We will provide as much detail as possible, including the promises made by management.
Talk to other tenants to find out if you are the only person who has this problem, or if others are suffering too. The more people can complain, the more likely you will get results.
Dear Harriet: This letter is a response to “Weed Invasion,” a writer whose husband smokes a lot of weeds.
It’s not that weeds are not addictive. That means it is not medically addictive.
The man is probably depressed and uses weed as a crutch or he is a jerk that doesn’t respect his partner.
Some people use food as crutches, which is not equally addictive, but can be a symptom of another problem.
– Issued, not addiction
Dear problem addiction: Thank you for your response. Without a doubt, those who feel forced to smoke weeds from sunset to sunset are dealing with some kind of problem. Many will argue that this is not healthy behavior.
There are different views in the medical community about whether marijuana is addictive. The American Addiction Center and many healthcare professionals believe marijuana is addictive. The AAC stated: Despite relatively widespread perceptions suggesting that this is not the case, frequent marijuana use is associated with physiological dependence, distinct withdrawal syndrome, and the development of addiction. Approximately 14.2 million people over the age of 12 struggled with marijuana addiction in 2020. ”
Regardless of the label, excessive use of this drug is not recommended.
If it is a habit that has been formed, it can be very difficult to stop smoking. If you are struggling, get help. Many addiction programs, including marijuana anonymity, can support you.
Harriet Cole is a life stylist and founder of dreams leapers, an initiative to help people access and revitalize their dreams. Questions can be submitted to Askharriette@harriettecole.com or C/O Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, 64106.
