One of the more challenging aspects of being an Atlanta tenant is dealing with bad 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. We’ll discuss multiple reasons why you might want to report your neighbors to the police in this blog post, as well as those instances where you shouldn’t. This information will assist you in making an informed decision if and when it becomes necessary to call local police officers.
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. You can do lots of things to calmly resolve the matter, such as discussing things with them or suggesting a compromise.
Yet, there are a few cases in which you must notify the police. Among these are:
- Your rental home is threatened by your neighbors.
- Your neighbors routinely trespass and/or conduct acts of vandalism on your property.
- You feel unsafe because of the actions your neighbors take that are dangerous, violent, or rude.
- Your neighbors engage in unlawful behavior.
- Late at night, your neighbors are seriously disturbing you (e.g., loud music) and they won’t stop even after you urge them to.
- You notice smoke or flames coming from within the house, hear gunshots, or have other reasons to think that your neighbors may be in danger.
It is imperative to contact the police or any relevant authority in these circumstances and give control over to them. Not only can they help defuse the situation, but making a police report may be vital for your protection. 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
It is crucial to consider the situation carefully and make sure you aren’t overreacting before calling the police. 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.
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 a sensible move to call the police on your neighbors for minor arguments or unmanageable circumstances (e.g., loud children). If your Atlanta property manager knows your neighbors and can settle the conflict, you might wish to call them first. Additional circumstances in which contacting the police is not advised include:
- If your neighbors are arguing with one another or with someone else, the conflict may unnecessarily escalate.
- Little annoyances from your neighbors include parking on the street close to your house.
- If you find tall weeds, trash, or other eyesores in your neighbors’ yards. If you reside in an HOA, you should report this to them rather than the police.
- Your neighbors participate in actions that you find objectionable but which are neither violent, threatening, or unlawful.
- 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. However, if you do decide to contact police enforcement, be careful to also alert your landlord of the issue. As a renter, it is imperative to keep in mind that establishing strong ties with your neighbors is an integral aspect of a positive renting experience.
If you have followed all of this advice and are still unable to live in harmony with your current neighbors, it may be a good time to start over. Real Property Management Greenway has wonderful listings in quality communities, and we’d be pleased to assist you in finding 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.
