Neighbor From Hades

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I have a neighbor problem going on for almost 2 years now. I own my home and she rents the dump next door to me. She has become increasingly abusive towards me and my animals despite my continual warnings to her that I want nothing to do with her nor do I want her anywhere around me or my animals. This person is Manic-depressive and does not take her medication properly. I have sent certified mail to the property manager and the owner with no response. The police cannot do anything about charges against her since they don't catch her in the act. She verbally abuses me and today physically attacked my car in my driveway (no dents thank God)I refuse to sell my family home to get away from this person but there has to be something I can do legally. Any clue? I live in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Fl if it makes any difference. Thanks

 

[Tracey]

Buy a camcorder and start taping her antics so police have proof of what she does. Make sure police are filing your complaint. Don't be put off by their "We can't do anything because we didn't see it happen" shilly-shallying. They rarely see other crimes occur but take reports and arrest people anyway. They're just being lazy. You have a right to file your complaint. Insist they take it. The prosecutor's office decides whether to prosecute or not.

Send her a letter saying you're going to start video/audio taping her first. Buy the camcorder and start carrying a small tape recorder in your pocket. Try to videotape incidents before you run out to stop her, if your animals aren't in danger. Audio tape all contact with her. Get caller ID too, since she'll soon start making hangup calls to you.

File for a restraining order against her, preventing her from entering your proeprty, harrassing your animals, or damaging your property, or contacting you in any way. Make sure your animals don't go on her property (even the cats!).

Consult an attorney to see if you can sue landlord for creating a nuisance by continuing to rent to her.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.

[This message has been edited by Tracey (edited June 06, 2000).]

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the advice Tracy. I got a restraining order yesterday but the police have yet to serve her. Since it says she must stay at least 500 feet away from me, I suppose she will have to move since her house is only about four feet from my property line and only about 50 feet wide. Trying to get a lawyer has proven to be impossible. NO ONE will take my case! One of the guys I work with has rentals and he says it's because it's classified as a frivolous complaint! Physical abuse frivolous?! What on EARTH is this world coming to?! sab