Business ProfileforLaral Management Company Inc.

Earlier this month the battery in the smoke detector outside my door, which is in a public space (I live at ****** **** ********** in Cooperstown, owned by Laral Management) expired and the device started beeping. I asked the resident manager, Matthew W***, in writing, to replace the battery. He did not act, so after 24 hours had gone by I bought a battery and installed it myself, since it was a question of public safety (mine and other people's). When I mailed the rent check for February to Laral in Norwich I included a note stating that I was deducting $15 for my time and the cost of the battery, since W*** had not responded and it was a necessary fix. Laral's manager, Rachel F*******, wrote back to say that if I could show evidence that I bought a battery (I did, but did not keep the receipt, not expecting any controversy) then they would allow me to deduct that cost, but nothing else. I responded with a letter (unanswered) to Laral's president, Eric L*****, stating my position and informing him that it was not the first, but the FOURTH time I'd asked Mr. W*** for help, in writing, on various matters, with no timely action on his part. I then got a letter, today, from Rachel F******* informing me that I still owed Laral the $15. She ignored the issue of Mr. W***'s inactivity, and the fact that the issue involved a smoke detector, which is important. I have filed a complaint against Ms. F******* with the state Department of State, which issues real estate licenses like hers, asking them to investigate her and Laral, but I'd appreciate any help you can give me in the meantime. Thank you. ****** *********