neighbor issues(PLEASE HELP)?

Question

Okay so about 2 years ago, our neighbors began to make an extreme amount of noise. They wouldn't let me or my mother sleep and if we turned on the tv or radio they would bang like maniacs. Police were called on several occasions our landlord was warned still nothing happened, but they stopped for a while. Fast foward to 6moths or so ago. Our car was mysteriously scratched and banged up, tiers were popping. We didn't blame them at first but soon the noise and the nuisance returned louder and worse than before. This time me and my mother banged back and things only escalated once again police were called and landlord was called. Still nothing was done due to the fact that they said we couldn't prove it was them but it was other neighbors even said they say! and out property was still being destroyed. They bang and stomp around all hours of the night. And today when my mother was walking outside the kid from upstairs (18yrs)told my mom to go f' herself he called her a ***** and threatened that something would happen if "we" didn't leave them alone. These people have some serious issues and we are in the process of trying to move so what do we do now?? This cant go on until we move help is desperately needed.

Answer 1

While Gothammom's idea takes a more civil route, it requires that your neighbors actually act in a civil manner as well. Given what you've stated about their actions, I highly doubt that they'd abide by such a request, though you could always try.

Now, given the threat that the 18 year old made and the vandalism that has happened to your car, you may have grounds for a restraining order. An attorney can assist you on the finer points of going about such action, indeed being able to evaluate the situation to determine if one is needed. Provided that you're successful, the offending neighbors, likely the 18 year old, would be required to remain a certain distance away from you. This would require him to live somewhere else, as being your next door neighbor would violate the restraining order. It would also see to it that he goes to jail if he intentionally violates the restraining order.

Sorry you have to go through this, as some people can be complete *******.

Answer 2

Keep on calling the police when a crime or threat has occurred. As far as I know loud noise in most states is still disturbing the peace. A paper trail of complaints is always good to have when you are in court. Especial if your looking for a restraining order, if you can show the judge the problem there is a chance. As long as they are legitimate. If this does not work then I would recommend recording the problems, preferably with a video camera and hopefully you will catch them red handed and the situation might resolve itself, when you make you case to the police.

Answer 3

It depends how long you have before you move.
Here in Canada you could go see a justice of the peace and ask for a Peace Bond (restraining order) on them. If it is granted they would not be able to communicate with you and couldn't harass you. These applications need to go to court however and this takes time. Did the 18 year old threaten your mom with death or bodily harm? If this was the case and there was a witness around to hear it the police could charge him/her with threatening.

Police hate these kinds of calls because both tenants will tell us how horrible the other tenant is and unless we hear the noise ourselves it it hard to tell who is telling the truth. I would direct you to your landlord who if he got enough complaints (many, many complaints over and over again) should be evicting the other tenants.

This isn't an easy situation and I hope you get to move sooner than later, good luck.

Answer 4

G'day missfif685,

Thank you for your question.

I would go to to your lawyer and look at taking out a temporary restraining order to forbid them from harassing you for a period of time. If they breach it, they can then be taken to court. It can also lead to a more permanent injunction.

You should start a log or diary of when and where the problems occurred and what happened. This will prove to be very useful.

I would also write to your landlord pointing out that you are moving because of the actions of these tenants and that he will lose rental income starting with yours. Sending them a letter with copies of the relevant ordnance may also persuade your neigbours that they are in the wrong.

You could try mediation with your neighbours. It might fail but it will help provide evidence for a court that you and your mother have pursued every avenue to resolve the matter peacefully.

I have attached some links containing some advice which may prove useful in your situation.

Seasons regards to you and your mother

Answer 5

omg what a mess you have. Your mom needs to report the threat. There is a law against terriorist threats. And it is important to have it documented. These people sound dangerous. If you have a few bucks, you need to get a lawyer and get a restraining order against them for both you and your mom. Is the landlord the owner of your property? If not, let him/her know that you need to contact the owner. You may be entitled to rent reimbursement because of the harrassment situation that you are in and their inability to correct the situation. Get a lawyer, be very careful and do not do anything to encourage any reaction from your neighbors. Stay calm and collected. Good luck!

Answer 6

Yes, you need to get out of there asap your in a dangerous situation. Try and find someone that you can move in with until you get the other place and just put your stuff in storage. If you don't know anyone try talking to a church, or agency like salvation army they might have a temporary place for you to live until your real place comes through. Next thing you know they will be ripping off your Christmas tree. The only other thing I could suggest is find some guy that is willing to scare them off but of course that takes money too.

Answer 7

Can you try being reasonable? Tell them nicely that you are moving and ask if your two families can get along in the meantime. Just give a big smile and try as hard as you can to be civil and nice. Perhaps they'll just give up if you try to be as nice as possible. I doubt they will respond to your being nice by being mean in return.

By no means is this advice intended to imply that you have been in the wrong on anything you've done. On the contrary, they've been awful and you've been totally reasonable throughout this whole experience. I'm just trying to help you get through the next few months with your personal safety protected. I'm sorry that you are living in fear and am glad to hear that you have plans to move. You need to get out of there as soon as you can.

Good luck to you!!!

Answer 8

I had the same thing happen with my neighbors. I suggest you hold back you rent until the landlord does something about it. you may be able to prove they did it to the car considering the kid did confess and threathened her with bodly harm. I would suggest you call the police and have them put a protection order on you and your mother as well as a that distant thing so they do have to move.

Answer 9

Catch them in the act. Next time they're being loud and disrespectful call them up, ask them to stop and since you're almost guaranteed a rude answer make sure you're taping the phone conversation. Then call the cops and landlord....and if nothing, call a lawyer.

Answer 10

The only thing I can suggest is keep a log of all the things that are happening. It wouldnt hurt if you could catch them in action. Vidoe tape, use a calll to take a pic... anything. Then try again with the police. If you can prove it something will happen.