GPT Prompts for Consumer Law & Advocacy class

 First Prompt: consumer question: My apartment complex had 10 cars broken into 3 months ago and 15 cars this month. no security has been added. If my car is broken into tonight do I have have a good lawsuit against the owners of my apartment complex?

Second prompt:  I cannot afford an attorney -- please put into plain English what I can do now and will I have a good lawsuit

GPT response to second prompt

1. Do you have a strong lawsuit?

Maybe, but it’s not a sure thing.

The apartment owner only has to take “reasonable steps” to keep the property safe.

If crimes keep happening and they do nothing (no lights, cameras, patrols, notices), a judge might say they failed their duty.

But the law does not make landlords automatically responsible every time a tenant’s car gets broken into.

So: you might have a case, but it’s hard to win without proof that management knew about the crime problem and ignored it.

2. What you can do right now (low cost / no lawyer):

Write to management in email or letter: Tell them you’re concerned about repeated break-ins and ask what steps they will take (lights, cameras, patrols). Keep a copy. This shows they were on notice.

Document everything: Save police reports, photos, and any messages you get from neighbors about break-ins.

File a police report if your car is ever broken into. Keep the report.

Check your renter’s or auto insurance: Often this is the quickest way to get compensated, even if it feels unfair.

Legal aid: If you can’t afford a lawyer, look up free tenant legal aid groups or housing legal clinics in your area. They often help with exactly these situations.

3. Bottom line

If your car is broken into:

You can try to sue, but you’ll need to show the landlord knew there was a serious problem and didn’t act reasonably.

It’s not guaranteed money, but documenting now will make your case stronger later.