Originally Syndicated on May 14, 2024 @ 1:19 pm
Have you ever come across a community manager getting too much media attention out of nowhere? William Alce is one such example.
It seemed suspicious how all of a sudden so many media outlets started posting articles about the guy.
So, I did a little digging. That’s when I came across a petition signed by over 300 people talking about the sexual exploitation of tenants, misconduct, and a long list of other illicit activities.
This article goes over the past activities of William Alce and his current marketing efforts to silence his victims:
When Hundreds of People Signed a Petition Against William Alce “The Community Manager”:
William Alce, a property manager at Edgwood Property, is at the center of significant controversy due to allegations of criminal behavior and misconduct towards tenants. A petition has been launched demanding his immediate removal from the property, citing his involvement in sexual and malicious violence against women residing there. The petition also calls for an administrative investigation into the applications and files of all tenants, proper maintenance of homes without extortion, and the creation of a safe environment for children without the use of harmful security measures.
The petition emphasizes the severe impact of these alleged actions on the community, stating that they have led to mental and physical depression among residents, with some losing their will to live. It argues that addressing this injustice is crucial for the development of the community and the broader society.
Additionally, there is social media activity indicating that neighbors in Edgewood are protesting against Alce, accusing him of sexually exploiting tenants, evicting them, and violating their rights. This situation has garnered attention and action from the community, highlighting the urgency and severity of the allegations against William Alce.
A prominent example is the tweet above. Certainly, the number of people angry with the alleged illicit activities of William Alce is very high.
As you can see this tweet also alleges that he sexually exploited some of his tenants, charged extra rent and scammed multiple people.
The Reputation Repair of William Alce
Rising Misconduct Cases Against Property Managers In The Country
There have been several notable cases of misconduct by property managers across the United States, involving various forms of unethical and illegal behavior.
- Sexual Harassment: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dealt with multiple cases where property managers have been sued for sexually harassing tenants. For instance, Darrell Jones, managing over 30 properties in Michigan, was accused of sexually harassing female tenants and prospective tenants, leading to a lawsuit and a settlement requiring him to pay significant damages and penalties. Similar cases were reported against other property managers in different states, involving harassment that included unwelcome sexual advances and propositions in exchange for housing benefits.
- Financial Misconduct: In Florida, the Senate approved a bill imposing criminal penalties on condominium violations, including theft of funds and conflicts of interest by association boards. This legislation was part of efforts to address corruption within property management concerning communal living arrangements.
- Tenant Disputes: Common disputes between tenants and property managers often involve security deposits. These disputes can escalate to lawsuits if unresolved, usually centered on disagreements over damage assessments and the return of deposits. Property managers are advised to meticulously document the condition of properties and adhere to legal protocols to avoid such conflicts.
These cases highlight the range of misconduct that can occur in property management, stressing the importance of regulatory oversight and ethical management practices.
How To Report Property Managers To Authorities
To report misconduct by a property manager, you have several steps and options depending on the situation:
- Direct Communication: Start by addressing the issue directly with the property management. This can be through a formal letter, email, or phone call. Document all interactions as they might be needed later.
- Contact Higher Authority within the Management Company: If your property manager is part of a larger management company, try contacting higher-level management to resolve the issue.
- Review Your Lease: Understand the terms of your lease agreement and gather any evidence where the property management is not meeting their obligations.
- File a Complaint with Local or Federal Authorities:
- HUD: For serious issues like poor maintenance, health and safety hazards, or discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD handles various types of complaints and can offer guidance or take action in severe cases. You can contact HUD’s Multifamily Housing Complaint Line at 800-685-8470 or file a complaint online.
- State and Local Authorities: You can also file a complaint with state or local housing authorities, especially if your issue pertains to violations of local housing laws.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Reporting to the BBB can help bring attention to the issue and potentially prompt a resolution if the property management company is concerned about its public image.
- Legal Action: As a last resort, consider legal action if the issue significantly affects your living conditions or if there has been a breach of contract. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in tenant law may be necessary to understand your rights and the feasibility of a lawsuit.
Ensure you keep detailed records of all correspondence and interactions with the property management, as this documentation will be crucial if the issue escalates to formal complaints or legal action.
How To Prevent Such Cases
To prevent cases of property manager misconduct, several proactive steps can be taken by both property owners and tenants:
- Thorough Screening and Training: Property owners should conduct thorough background checks on potential property managers, including criminal records, past employment verification, and references. Regular training and updates on legal compliance, ethical management practices, and tenant rights can also help maintain high standards.
- Clear Codes of Conduct: Establishing a clear and strict code of conduct for property managers that outlines acceptable behaviors and practices, along with the consequences of misconduct, is crucial. This code should be aligned with state and federal laws regarding housing management.
- Regular Audits and Inspections: Regular audits of property management activities and routine property inspections can help catch and address issues early before they escalate into bigger problems. These audits should review financial transactions, maintenance records, and tenant interactions.
- Open Lines of Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels between tenants, property managers, and property owners can foster a trusting environment. Tenants should feel comfortable reporting any issues without fear of retaliation.
- Tenant Education: Educating tenants about their rights and responsibilities can empower them to report any irregularities immediately. Providing resources or contacts for advice and complaints can also be beneficial.
- Use of Technology: Implementing property management software can provide oversight for property owners to monitor operations more effectively. Such systems can track maintenance requests, rent payments, and other critical management functions transparently.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring that all property management practices comply with local, state, and federal laws, such as fair housing regulations, can prevent legal issues. Regular legal reviews can help keep practices up to date with any legislative changes.
- Ethical Management: Promoting a culture of integrity and ethics within the property management team can prevent many cases of misconduct. This includes rewarding ethical behavior and promptly addressing any unethical actions.
These strategies can help create a more controlled and respectful environment for property management, reducing the likelihood of misconduct and improving the overall quality of management services.
Conclusion
Going through the various allegations made against William Alce, it seems he isn’t what he is claiming to be in his various press releases. It’s vital to call out abuse community managers and landlords because the longer you stay silent, the longer it’ll take to stop them.
Unless people come together to combat such problems, nothing will improve. Ignoring these issues only makes matters worse.
One thing you can do is share this story with someone else. Tweet about it. Call William Alce out on your social media.
Raising awareness about such instances is the first step towards fixing the problem.
What are your thoughts on William Alce and the allegations made against him? Do you agree with them or not? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
5 comments
Interesting article bringing light to the darker aspects of property management. It’s important to remember the role that regulatory bodies play in these situations.
This highlights the need for proper oversight in the housing sector. Both tenants and property managers have responsibilities to uphold.
These cases of misconduct are alarming. It’s essential for tenants to know their rights and how to report any issues they encounter.
Such an article underscores the importance of background checks and clear codes of conduct in the property management industry.
I appreciate the comprehensive take on the issue, outlining preventive measures and steps for reporting. Awareness is key to change.