We have a 4-unit building in a very racially/culturally mixed neighborhood. One of my tenants has put up a huge rebel/confederate flag on the wall that can be seen from th e huge apartment building across the street. It is ruffling feathers, to say the least.

I'm a big fan of freedom of expression, but I'm also realistic enough to know that there's the very real possibility that someone with a temper may decide to "set him straight" or take it out on my building. It's not a high crime area, it does see it's share, especially graffiti, which happens once every 6 months or so.

I'd love some feedback as to what to do, not do, or any legal issues I should worry about. If I do nothing, am I liable if a confrontation occurs? If I do something, can I get sued for violation of free speech?

Ah, the joys of being a landlord...

Thanks,

Ask for a favor. If he is a racist, the problem will be dealt with by the neighbors. They will either move, or make his life hell.

No flag on his car.

I cannot afford to have my tenants move. It's hard enough having one unit vacant at this time. I'm opting for the personal favor approach and will let you know how it goes.

The flag is inside his apartment? Have a little chat w the tenant. Is it worth a brick through his window by some idiot in the neighborhood?

They are a big issue here in SC. I really dislike that flag and I'm white plus southern born and bred.

In a racially mixed area putting up that flag is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. And that is why he did it just to start trouble.

Maybe he will ruffle some fleathers of someone who will take care of the matter for you?

Ive never had to enforce this clause, and Im not sure if it is legal in your area but here it is.

"Tenant agress Not keep anything deemed by the landlord/agent as offensive or objectionable material to be viewed anywhere on the property"

It could bluff them to remove it.

It's none of your business but if you have actually heard something I would tell the tenant that he/she needs window coverings as you are getting complaints.

The people looking in the window are called peeping toms and they are at fault.

I see how this person is trying to make a public comment but you have to work around it for the first reason I mentioned.

Problem solved (at least a promise to move it was given).

Ironically, there was shooting not too far from our unit a couple of nights ago (first time that's ever happened in 8 years, thank goodness). I used the "favor" approach along with saying that I'm very concerned about their safety if someone should take offense, especially in light of the recent shooting. I told them that I obviously did not think they were racist (which I believe, I think they just lack good judgement), that it was just symbol of Southern pride, but others may take it very, very differently.

They agreed and said they would move it to another part of their unit.

The Sons of the Confederancy are hot and heavy here and alot of homes that fly them in our area are not uneducated and low class. Not to mention the bumper stickers , car tags, etc....But I would think flying the flag anywhere other than the south could cause a big problem. Glad it worked out for you.

History Test:

I've had posters in windows facing the street that caused some comments from neighbors around my 10 unit. I had a chat with the tenant nothing written no notices. Just a chat.

Started off with something like this.

Hi ___ do you have a couple of minutes to chat? Won't take long.

(I make a comment on something in his apt a hobby of his a book he is reading to make the tone friendly and personable.)

What I wanted to talk to you about was the poster in your bedroom window. I was out front trimming things up and a neighbor came over to chat with me. They made a comment about your poster.

Since your bedroom window is the only one that faces the street it sends a message that our entire building stands behind that posters message. I happen to agree with the message. But that isn't the point.

Would you please do me and our building a favor and move your poster some where else in your apt?

Moved it right then and there and I helped him put it in a new place.

Positive communication skills are very

important in any business.

I don't understand why the confederate flag is so offensive; my history teachers taught that the civil war was less about slavery than about states' rights, so I don't personally see the flag as a racial statement.

I once rented in an apartment complex whose lease required that all tenants have window coverings with white linings. Nobody had them and they didn't enforce it, until somebody started overexposing himself to the neighborhood. I didn't even realize the rule until I heard from neighbors that they decided to selectively enforce it on him.

This issue raises some questions for me though...what if somebody hung up a gay pride flag in their home and it was ticking off the neighborhood; would people find it just as acceptable to try to modify the tenant's behavior?

Well, I was hoping to keep this to the best business decision, but feel free to have a lively discussion.

At a bare minimum the flag has been coopted by the kkk and white supremacists in the modern era, making it a distinct symbol of opression. Now if you are a good ol boy who honestly flies if in memorium, then you should be wise enough to see the modern racist context it presents.