Difficult Neighbors!

[cassius]

I recently purchased my first investment property in calgary and everything has been smooth, up until a month ago. The property is a detached home with a basement suite. It seems that my neighbor has been harrasing my tenants on all sorts of levels over the past month. Everything from name-calling to snooping around outside the home has been taking place and I feel its time it stopped. I tried to speak with the troublesome neighbor, but she seems reluctant to communicate... won`t even shake my hand! The tenants who live in the home are angels! No partying, loud noise and they keep the place looking great. I have been tempted to get the police involved, but i`m afraid that may make the situation worse. I know communication is best, but that doesn`t seem to work with this individual!

I`m desperate for some advise. Thank you~

 

[RedlineBrett]

I`d talk to your other neighbors to see if there is anything else to the story you are missing. Perhaps the lady has some history with others and/or your tenants aren`t as nice as they seem. Sometimes you can never really tell!

Failing that you need to be careful she doesn`t drop a dime on you with the city about your suite. I would try getting extra nice to her - send her a card, a gift certificate, introduce yourself again... tough for her to continue to be mad when confronted with an ongoing wave of kindness

QUOTE (cassius @ Oct 15 2008, 04:52 PM) I recently purchased my first investment property in calgary and everything has been smooth, up until a month ago. The property is a detached home with a basement suite. It seems that my neighbor has been harrasing my tenants on all sorts of levels over the past month. Everything from name-calling to snooping around outside the home has been taking place and I feel its time it stopped. I tried to speak with the troublesome neighbor, but she seems reluctant to communicate... won`t even shake my hand! The tenants who live in the home are angels! No partying, loud noise and they keep the place looking great. I have been tempted to get the police involved, but i`m afraid that may make the situation worse. I know communication is best, but that doesn`t seem to work with this individual!

I`m desperate for some advise. Thank you~

 

[RebeccaBryan]

I like your advice Brett. You need to find out the reason for the neighbors behavior. It might be justified.

Also, be extra nice to the neighbor and listen to find out if there are problems with your tenants or if there is something she is concerned about. And I agree, do talk to other neighbors to see if they have anything to say.

 

[invst4profit]

Brett and Rebecca`s advice is good especially regarding seeking info from your tenants and other neighbors about this individual. You may discover she has a history of this type of behaviour.

Was the building a rental before you bought it and is it a legal rental at this time. If it is not legal make nice but if she has a history with this behaviour do not expect her to stop.

Assuming you find out she is the neighbourhood nut job, and it is a legal rental, tell her if she continues harassing your tenant or trespassing on your property you will be reporting her to the police and follow through. There is no point in wasting time trying to get on the good side of someone that makes a habit of this type of behaviour.