violence from commercial tenant

[ratso1]

I'm in an old loft building, 2nd floor. The store downstairs put up signs covering up 3 feet above my front windows. Then, in back on a roof-extension terrace that has always been mine to use (landlord always agreed, but not in writing) the store people suddenly broke thru and erected an access structure for themselves! Landlord said, well, it's there now, lock it so they can't get up here.
When I tried to do that I was accosted by store guys, pushed, screamed at, threatened, "we'll get you." Landlord said wasn't his responsibility, to call police, which I did.
How responsible is landlord? Doesn't he have to protect me?
I'm afraid to press charges, etc. because of retaliation from store downstairs. When they say they'll get me, I believe them!
Ideas on pressure to put on landlord, cuz I want him to confront them, not me. I'm scared... or, bottom line, the store pays more rent than me, I feel I'm being forced out. Any thoughts?

[Anna]

<small>[ December 31, 2004, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Anna ]</small>