One of the more challenging aspects of being a Lynchburg tenant is dealing with bad neighbors. There might be a time when you have to report your neighbors to the police. Several considerations must be taken into account before making this decision, therefore it should not be taken lightly. We will explain why you might want to inform the police about your neighbors in this blog post, and we’ll also address instances where you shouldn’t. This knowledge will allow you to make a well-informed decision if and when the time finally comes to contact local police authorities.
Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors
You should strive to resolve common issues with your neighbors directly. You can do lots of things to calmly resolve the matter, such as discussing things with them or suggesting a compromise.
Nonetheless, there are specific circumstances in which you must contact the police. Among these are:
- Threats against you or your rental property are made by your neighbors.
- Your neighbors routinely trespass and/or conduct acts of vandalism on your property.
- You feel unsafe as a result of your neighbors’ hazardous, violent, or other inappropriate behavior.
- Your neighbors are involved in criminal activity.
- Your neighbors are making a significant commotion late in the evening (e.g. loud music) and despite your requests to stop, continue to do so.
- You have reason to believe that your neighbors may be facing an emergency based on gunshots, increasing smoke or flames, or other indicators.
It is crucial to call the police or any competent authority in these circumstances and let them handle it. Not only can they assist in de-escalating the situation, but making a police report may be vital to protect you. Due to a lack of experience or expertise, trying to intervene could also make things worse.
Reasons Not to Call the Police on Your Neighbors
Before contacting the police, it is necessary to assess the situation and ensure you are not exaggerating. If your neighbors merely have different views or ways of life than you do, it is better to attempt to resolve differences with them beforehand.
Keeping in mind that the police can be a source of authority and power, it is crucial to exercise that power appropriately. It’s not a good idea to report your neighbors to the police for small disputes or circumstances beyond their control (e.g., loud children). To see whether they can settle the conflict and if they have a good relationship with your neighbors, you might want to speak with your Lynchburg property manager first. Additional circumstances in which contacting the police is not advised include:
- Your neighbors arguing with one another or another person may cause the situation to unnecessarily escalate.
- Little annoyances from your neighbors include parking on the street close to your house.
- There are unsightly items in your neighbors’ yards, such as trash or thick weeds. This is a problem that you should report to your HOA, not the police, if you live in one.
- Your neighbors participate in actions that you find objectionable but which are neither violent, threatening, or unlawful.
- Your neighbors are sometimes noisy (e.g., holding a small gathering or game night), but they aren’t breaking any laws.
When considering whether or not to call the police on your neighbors, it is necessary to review all relevant aspects and how they may affect both you and your neighbors. Also, if you decide to contact law authorities, you should also notify your landlord to inform them of the issue. As a renter, it is necessary to remember that maintaining strong connections with your neighbors is a core part of a positive renting experience.
If you have followed all of this advice and still cannot coexist peacefully with your present neighbors, it may be time to start again. Real Property Management Cairn has outstanding listings in attractive areas, and we would be happy to assist you in choosing your new home. Browse our listings online today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
