My neighbor is psychotic

[Anonymous]

I recently got into an altercation with my neighbor. They were at fault. Tried to give them a chance to clean up and make right, but they didn't. I contacted the appropriate authorities (not police, but landlords, county agencies, etc.). Neighbor then proceeded to wait outside my front door until I was leaving my home, accost me, berate me, and go on a 15 minute vitriolic screed about things that are not true and would've have been any of their business even if they had been. They were unhinged, abusive, and totally out of line, and I'd already asked twice that they not speak to me.

Neighbor has been informed, in writing, by both me and the authorities contacted, that I wish to have zero further interaction with them. Now, they wait until I'm outside and decide to walk their dog. Their behavior doesn't rise to the level of full harassment, just petty, passive-aggressive BS. Think kids saying "I'm not touching you!" while pointing at their sibling from 2 inches away.

Aside from moving, which isn't really an option for my family, how would you deal with this situation? Functional suggestions only, please; If I wanted to throw fuel on the fire and return pettiness, I'm more than capable of doing that on my own. Asking for sane advice.

[Anonymous]

Get a camera that covers that whole area.

[Anonymous]

I'd move

[Anonymous]

Appologize and give them a nice present. Our get a restraining order where they must stay away from you x number of feet

[Anonymous]

Just ignore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a camera that covers that whole area.

Cameras, yes. Not just a doorbell camera. Cover all sides of the house and the driveway as well, if you park cars in the driveway.

Document any actual contacts (and walking the dog doesn't count, as irksome as it is). Keep screenshots of any texts, emails, copies of any voicemails, etc. If you need to get a restraining order you'll want any evidence of contact if they start contacting you.

Don't go outside at the same time each day if you can help it. Mix it up. It sounds as if either you're going out at roughly the same time and neighbor knows, watches for you, and heads out, or neighbor watches like a hawk all day long for you to appear. Neither is good, but the latter would be especially disturbing, if that's the case.

Consider fencing if that might somehow help you feel more comfortable in your own yard, maybe? Expensive option but I'd consider it. Of course you both can still see over a normal yard fence, but it sends a message.

Most of all, as someone posted, ignore. Neighbor wants badly to get a rise out of you, hence the dog-walking when you come out. It's a "this is MY turf!" thing. Pretend you don't even see them and if they speak, don't engage at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd move

Maybe read the entire post next time before you respond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a camera that covers that whole area.

Cameras, yes. Not just a doorbell camera. Cover all sides of the house and the driveway as well, if you park cars in the driveway.

Document any actual contacts (and walking the dog doesn't count, as irksome as it is). Keep screenshots of any texts, emails, copies of any voicemails, etc. If you need to get a restraining order you'll want any evidence of contact if they start contacting you.

Don't go outside at the same time each day if you can help it. Mix it up. It sounds as if either you're going out at roughly the same time and neighbor knows, watches for you, and heads out, or neighbor watches like a hawk all day long for you to appear. Neither is good, but the latter would be especially disturbing, if that's the case.

Consider fencing if that might somehow help you feel more comfortable in your own yard, maybe? Expensive option but I'd consider it. Of course you both can still see over a normal yard fence, but it sends a message.

Most of all, as someone posted, ignore. Neighbor wants badly to get a rise out of you, hence the dog-walking when you come out. It's a "this is MY turf!" thing. Pretend you don't even see them and if they speak, don't engage at all.

Very good advice.

[Anonymous]

What was the issue that caused the altercation?

[Anonymous]

Was this a one time thing, or are they continuing this type of behavior? I get that the dog-walking thing is annoying, but it sounds like they are complying with the no-contact order. Or am I missing something?

Neighbor then proceeded to wait outside my front door until I was leaving my home, accost me, berate me, and go on a 15 minute vitriolic screed about things that are not true and would've have been any of their business even if they had been. They were unhinged, abusive, and totally out of line, and I'd already asked twice that they not speak to me.

[Anonymous]

Ignore completely. If they try to actually engage you then get a peace order ( if in MD, not sure what it’s called in VA or DC)
Walking their dog when you go out is not a crime though as long as he keeps walking.

[Anonymous]

Cameras to cover all your property, and have your phone set to record any interactions they have with you.

Sorry youre having to go through this, sounds crazy stressful.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. Thanks, all. It is crazy stressful.

Any suggestions for cameras? Something wireless I can check/record from my phone seems ideal, but I have no idea what's available and I'm kinda overwhelmed right now and lacking time/patience resources to research. If you have a system you like, please let me know!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What was the issue that caused the altercation?

They threatened my child. Sorry to omit the details, but I'd prefer to not identify my family (or the neighbor, who doesn't need provocation to act a creep), and the events are pretty identifiable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a camera that covers that whole area.

This.

Cameras are magic.