Tuesday’s story about a man in French Quarter blocking the only door of an apartment belonging to him with the tenant and her child still inside was the “talk of the town.” Most strongly disapproved of his deed that could have ended in tragedy if, for example, a fire broke out with no way left to escape.
On the other hand, there were indications the landlord had been trying to contact the woman without success and that overdue rent was probably involved. He also may not have known the family was there at the time and perhaps merely wanted to keep them out rather than in.
In addition, the question was asked how someone could sleep through nails holding the 2x4 wooden beams being hammered into a concrete wall. Persons speculated that the mother must have heard what was going on but didn’t want to confront the man and hid, because of understandable fear or her inability to pay the presumed debt.
In their comments some referred to frustration among homeowners faced with tenants who don’t meet their financial commitments, but unable to easily evict them because of the legal protection they enjoy. Often this happens while mortgage payments still need to be made, creating a risk of the property being seized and even auctioned by the bank.
This problem also exists on the Dutch side and is compounded by the lack of a well-functioning and proactive Rental Committee. However, the same argument can be reversed, as tenants for their part have very little recourse when it comes to the astronomic rent levels and other dubious practices of local landlords.
In Monday’s case, exactly what occurred as well as how and why isn’t clear, but the fact remains that the wellbeing of two persons was put in jeopardy in what at least appears to be an irresponsible manner.
Generally, taking the law into one’s own hands is rarely a good idea. Although it might be quite a while before they act, with all possible consequences, such matters are best left up to the competent authorities.
