The following FAQ page will list different forms of acceptable evidence in order to issue a formal leasing violation for possession of a firearm in the home, as well as the process for issuing a leasing violation.
The Firearm Policy as stated in the lease.
Firearms: Roommates are to never engage in acts of violence or threats of violence, including, but not limited to, displaying, discharging, or possessing a firearm, knife, or other weapon that may threaten, alarm or intimidate others or Roommates. (Page 4)
| Soft Evidence | Description |
| General complaint | One or more formal complaints sent to Alcove directly from a roommate or landlord. This may be submitted in a support ticket or by emailing the support team. |
| Messages | Screenshots of texts or messages indicating that a roommate or group of roommates are responsible for prohibited activities, sent through texts or instant messaging apps. Must include the date. |
| Landlord inspection | Details from a self-inspection report conducted by the landlord, indicating lease violations. |
| Hard Evidence | Description |
| Alcove inspection report | Details from an inspection report ordered by Alcove, indicating lease violations and has been documented in the report. |
| Photos and videos | Photographs or videos serving as evidence of the violation. Photos must show that the violation is directly linked to one or more tenants. |
| Police Report |
A formal police report with the name of offender (if the firearm is illegally owned). |
FAQ: Firearm Possession Policy Violation
Q: What should I do if I suspect a roommate has a firearm onsite?
- A tenant should submit a complaint via email or support ticket to Alcove Support, providing details of the situation.
Q: What happens after I submit a complaint?
- Alcove will respond promptly, categorizing the complaint as falling under the 'soft evidence' category.
- Alcove will conduct an investigation to gather further, hard evidence. This may include contacting other roommates for additional information and reaching out to the landlord. Depending on the severity and specifics of the case, we may also schedule an inspection on behalf of the landlord to conduct a walkthrough of the property to collect more evidence.
Q: What does Alcove require as evidence?
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- Alcove will request additional hard evidence.
- Hard Evidence: Photos of the firearm or an Alcove inspection confirming the presence of the firearm.
- Soft Evidence: Multiple reports or photos of ammunition.
- Basic Evidence: Screenshots of text conversations or a single report confirming the issue.
- Alcove will request additional hard evidence.
Q: What happens once hard evidence is provided?
- Alcove may issue a lease violation notice of warning to the lease offender and offer them a chance to correct the violation.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What if the lease violator doesn't adhere to the warning?
- If the lease violation persists, Alcove may conduct a follow up inspection and could issue a notice to quit, final warning, and may impose fines.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence
Q: What if the tenant continues to possess a firearm onsite?
- If the tenant fails to adhere, Alcove may notify the Landlord of noncompliance and recommend that they file for an eviction.
- If an eviction is filed, Alcove may issue a formal Notice to Vacate, which would give the tenant 10 days to vacate the property before filing the eviction.
- Should the eviction proceedings continue, Alcove will offer our full cooperation and turnover all evidence collected and notices issued to the tenant.