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Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors – And When Not To

Police Officer Outside of a Burlington Rental HomeAs a Burlington renter, one of the hardest things to cope with is rude neighbors. There are going to be times when you must file a police report on your neighbors. Due to the significance of the decision and the many aspects that must be taken into account, it should not be made lightly. In this blog post, we will examine when you might want to notify the police about your neighbors and when you shouldn’t. When the time comes to get in touch with your local law enforcement, you’ll be more prepared thanks to this information.

Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

When common disagreements emerge with your neighbors, your best line of action is to attempt to resolve the issue with them directly. There are many things you can do to end the conflict amicably, such as talking it out with them or making a concession.

Nevertheless, there are situations in which you must call the police. Including:

  • Your neighbors are making threats against you and your rental property.
  • Your neighbors routinely enter your property without permission and/or damage it.
  • Your neighbors participate in risky or aggressive behavior, which makes you feel uneasy.
  • Your neighbors are involved in crime.
  • Your neighbors are generating a significant disruption late at night (e.g., loud music) and will not cease despite your requests.
  • You may have reason to suspect that your neighbors require assistance if you hear gunshots, witness smoke or flames coming from within the house, or have other proof.

In these cases, it is necessary to contact the police or another relevant authority and allow them to deal with the issue. Not only can they help defuse the situation, but making a police report may be vital for your protection. You may exacerbate the situation if you attempt to intervene without adequate training or knowledge.

Reasons Not to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

Think carefully about the circumstance and make sure you aren’t responding excessively before contacting the police. The best course of action is to try to talk things out with your neighbors first, especially if they simply have differing views or lifestyles from you.

It is also necessary to remember that the police can be a source of authority and power, thus it is essential to exercise this power carefully. It is not advisable to call the police on your neighbors for minor disagreements or circumstances beyond their control (e.g., loud children). You may wish to call your Burlington property manager first if they know your neighbors and can settle the matter. Additional instances in which you should not notify the police include:

  • If your neighbors have a dispute with one another or with someone else, this could lead to an unwarranted escalation of the problem.
  • Your neighbors cause minor annoyances by doing things such as parking on your street.
  • Your neighbor’s yard is overgrown with weeds, trash, and other unsightly objects in their yard. This is something you should report to the HOA, not the police so long as you live in an HOA.
  • Your neighbors participate in actions that you personally disagree with but are neither violent, dangerous, or illegal.
  • Although they don’t violate any laws, your neighbors are occasionally noisy (e.g., when throwing a small gathering or game night).

It’s critical to think about all the different variables and how they might affect both you and your neighbors before deciding whether or not to report your neighbors to the police. Additionally, if you do decide to call police authorities, be sure to inform your landlord of the incident as well. It is vital for renters to keep in mind that having nice interactions with their neighbors is a crucial component of a successful renting experience.

If you’ve tried everything suggested here and are still unable to coexist peacefully with your current neighbors, it may be time to move. Real Property Management Sterling has wonderful listings in quality communities, and we’d be pleased to assist you in finding your new home. Browse our listings online today!

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