The Smith Property Management and Ely Walker Condo Association have grossly failed to provide adequate service for the Ely Walker Lofts tenants in St. Louis, Missouri. Since becoming the property management group, Smith, under direction of the Condo Association Board, has taken cost-cutting measures that have failed to address significant maintenance issues and, more importantly, impacted the safety of residents. This choice is likely driven by the Condo Owners Association (COA), which is paid into by private owners and rental organizations. Both are responsible for the failures that are impacting owners and residents. 

• Removal of On-Site building management: The removal of on-site personnel is a significant issue that impacts the safety of residents. Since removing site managers, multiple serious incidents involving large groups of unauthorized persons entering the building have occurred. These entries have resulted in vehicle break-ins, property destruction, package stealing, drug use in common spaces, vandalism, discharge of firearms, disruption of security measures (propping open locked doors), the wounding of tenants, and homicide. Lacking an on-site manager is utterly unacceptable. Most properties in the area have on-site personnel who dissuade illegal congregations and can authorize police to remove individuals from the property. 
• Failure to provide security: Due to the lack of on-site building personnel, the property group places all private renters and renting agencies in violation of Missouri's Implied Warranty of Habitability. It has failed to provide REASONABLE MEANS TO PREVENT CRIMINAL INTRUSION, directly endangering residents.
• Failure to make timely repairs: Similar to a failure to provide security, the failure to repair windows damaged in shootings for over one month and failure to fix elevators for over two weeks places renters in violation of the Implied Warranty of Habitability. This failure likely violates management contract set forth with the Smith Group.
• Failure to Enforce Short-Term Rental Rules:  Unit owner companies, namely Aconcagua One LLC, has failed to properly enforce the community standard against short-term rentals. The property management group should levy eviction notices against organizational unit owners that fail to meet the community standards. 

Although renter tenants are encouraged to levy their rights against their landlords to receive legally supported rent reductions and lease terminations if they so choose, the Smith Group and Condo Association must do its job to increase security and maintain its obligations to property owners and residents alike. 

Regardless of income, homeowner status, or walk-in life, all tenants of Ely Walker yearn for a safe, peaceful building community. All community members chose to pay a premium to enjoy spacious homes in the vibrant St. Louis Downtown Area. Part of that decision comes with the legally supported assumption of safety and security. We should not be afraid of unauthorized people congregating and causing damage to our homes. 

By signing this petition, you are joining the hundreds of residents who demand increased repair speed and security to keep our homes safe and maintained. Failure of the the COA Board and Smith Group to provide adequate management will result in the loss of residents, lawsuits, and may result in further loss of life. 

WHAT CAN I DO BEYOND THIS PETITION?

If you rent from a rental group such as STL Citywide, you can demand significant rent reductions under Missouri law as a result of failure to provide safe habitation. Moreover, you, as a tenant, have the right to safety and may be able to get out of your lease with no repercussion if the COA (which is boarded by these companies) fails to provide reasonable repair and protection from intrusion. 

If you wish to have a rent reduction until needs are met or wish to get out of your lease, you should contact a tenant/landlord lawyer immediately. Legal issues and loss of tenants will pressure the companies on the COA board to take action as well as provide move-out and reimbursement options to those who wish to leave.