By Rhma Om on September 4, 2025 Verified by Google

When I lived in a third-floor apartment, my 2-year-old was learning how to walk. Instead of being able to enjoy that important stage, we were constantly harassed by our downstairs neighbors. Every time my child walked, they would bang on the ceiling aggressively, sometimes directly under him, causing him to cry and become fearful. It reached a point where we avoided being at home and spent most of our time at a family member’s house just to escape the stress.

Even I couldn’t use the bathroom without hearing loud banging from below. When I considered speaking to the office about transferring units, the downstairs neighbors called first, accusing us of stomping, completely ignoring that it was a toddler simply learning to walk.

When I brought up my concerns, the office staff didn’t listen. Instead, I was told my child was “always stomping” and was even threatened with eviction. I was shocked. No one asked for our side of the story. It felt deeply unfair, and I couldn't help but feel that I was being treated differently as a person of color. The neighbors and the staff clearly shared a bias, and I was dismissed from the start.

I escalated the issue to the area manager, hoping for better support, but nothing was done. The office later called to say the neighbors were moving and asked me to stay, but by then I had lost all trust in the management. I chose to leave and find a home where my family would be treated with respect.
This experience was extremely hurtful and stressful. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their own home, especially families with young children and their well-being.