Tenants could not create a nuisance for neighbors.
Balconies were considered part of the private unit.
Throwing waste over railings was prohibited.
Damage caused through negligence could become the financial responsibility of the person who caused it.
Then I discovered something even more useful.
Three documented complaints involving the same behavior within ninety days could trigger a formal management review.
I checked the management company’s complaint procedure.
Then I went through my phone.
Over the previous months, I had photographed several of the tea bags.
The stained towel.
The ruined cushion.
The bag that appeared the morning after Daniel promised he would stop.
Seven photographs total.
I wrote down dates and approximate times for the incidents I clearly remembered.
Then I drafted a formal complaint.
Three pages.
Chronological.
Calm.
No emotional language.
I explained what had happened.
Referenced the relevant lease provisions.
Included photographs.
And documented both attempts I had made to resolve the issue directly.
It was an excellent letter.
The sort of letter that doesn’t need anger because the facts are already doing the work.
I submitted it Tuesday evening.
Then I set my alarm.
The next morning, I sat on my balcony before seven.
Coffee.
Warm coat.
Phone beside me.
At 7:06, I heard Daniel’s balcony door open.
I stayed still.
At 7:07, the tea bag fell.
