Think that being a rent-paying adult absolves you of a curfew? Think again.
The managers of Array Apartments in Austin, Texas found themselves at the center of an internet firestorm this week after several residents began clapping back about their new mandatory curfew, one barring them from leaving their units between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Residents at an Austin apartment complex are being told not to leave their homes between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. because of a mandatory curfew. But is the curfew even legal? https://t.co/ofaqRy7pGf
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) June 12, 2023
What would you do?: Neighbors at the Array apartments off of E. Riverside got this notice. The apartment says they can’t leave their homes from 10 PM - 5 AM and aren’t giving a specific reason. Just “security concerns.” We’ve got more from residents and attorneys at 10 @KVUE pic.twitter.com/IkdPkVbkjs
— Ford Sanders KVUE (@fordsandersTV) June 10, 2023
Though management remained tight-lipped on their decision to enact such a strict ban – “This decision has been made in response to security concerns and potential public health and safety concerns,” they explained in a letter sent to residents,” adding that “It is crucial for the safety and well-being of all residents that we adhere to these measures.”
Despite management’s alleged good intentions, tenants were not too thrilled about living under rules fit for high school students.
"Make sure you have your provisions before 10 p.m. Sounds like I'm in some hurricane area where they have martial law," Kristie Broadaway told local ABC News affiliate, KVUE.
Though she has lived in the building for eight years, Broadway said that these new rules may easily be a dealbreaker.
"If I can't go outside or have friends over after 10, I may look for somewhere else to live," she said.
Beyond angering residents and internet users, several of whom took to TikTok to express their frustration surrounding the measure – “Some people work night shifts or whatnot,” wrote TikTok user @ivyjasmine223 beneath a viral clip detailing the situation – the measure may not even be legal, according to a local lawyer.
Apartment curfew? A complex in the Riverside area implemented a 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. curfew where it's "mandatory for residents to remain indoors... except for emergencies or authorized activities." @KXAN_News
— Brianna Hollis (@BriHollisNEWS) June 8, 2023
Can this be enforced?
We answer >> https://t.co/3WwqbqAwQp pic.twitter.com/eJFjBpdNlL
“That has to be done by the City, and the City has to have the authority to do this. The apartment complex can't do this,” real estate attorney Bill Gammon told the outlet, denouncing the move as “ludacris.”
Landlords – no matter what they say, they’re not your mom.
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