what to do about mentally ill neighbor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is an old thread, but it's an interesting topic.

To those saying sell/get out of there, I'm thinking in some states you would have to disclose this situation to the buyer. While it's not a specifically mandated disclosure, many states have other statutes that require disclosure of known nuisances or criminal activity on the property. I worry that if you don't disclose, you could be setting yourself up for a nasty lawsuit later. Thoughts? Obviously it's state specific.

Yeah. I was thinking the same exact thing. We lived in an old building in Los Angeles where the neighbor downstairs would slam a broom on the ceiling all day long if we so much as walked across the floor (shoes off, tippy toes) she was obviously crazy and had a crazy daughter who we had been warned by neighbors not to engage with. We never complained to her, or the police or anyone else so when we sold and had in the paperwork that question "have you had any disputes with any immediate neighbors or cause to report them to police" we could say, hands on hearts "no". There were never any disputes because we were passive about it (though deeply unhappy!) specifically because we knew we would at some point, sell.

[Anonymous]

We lived in an apt with a neighbor like that too! If I walked 10 steps across the floor in my shoes (I'm talking about less than 15 seconds of noise) there would be a LOUD "Pound! Pound! Pound!" on the ceiling below. Happened every day and boy did it get old in a hurry.

I guess I was supposed to tip toe out the door and put my shoes on out in the hallway? Whatever. We were renting so we moved a short time later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is an old thread, but it's an interesting topic.

To those saying sell/get out of there, I'm thinking in some states you would have to disclose this situation to the buyer. While it's not a specifically mandated disclosure, many states have other statutes that require disclosure of known nuisances or criminal activity on the property. I worry that if you don't disclose, you could be setting yourself up for a nasty lawsuit later. Thoughts? Obviously it's state specific.

Yeah. I was thinking the same exact thing. We lived in an old building in Los Angeles where the neighbor downstairs would slam a broom on the ceiling all day long if we so much as walked across the floor (shoes off, tippy toes) she was obviously crazy and had a crazy daughter who we had been warned by neighbors not to engage with. We never complained to her, or the police or anyone else so when we sold and had in the paperwork that question "have you had any disputes with any immediate neighbors or cause to report them to police" we could say, hands on hearts "no". There were never any disputes because we were passive about it (though deeply unhappy!) specifically because we knew we would at some point, sell.

+1

You moved, you had NO problem with the crazy neighbor (and likely get along fine in society, and in life, are probably successful, in general - which is likely one reason why CN had a problem with you). CN is barely a passing blip on your radar, and of no significance, in general. You would do fine no matter what, crazy neighbor (who socially, emotionally, legally and financially has far fewer options, and is too unstable to handle a move anyway) - not so much. You can't argue with crazy, everyone knows that - so just get on with your life elsewhere. You did him a favor by moving instead of suing him - though the option is always there.

CN is well aware he has so few if any options (in life, in general) - hence the frustration at the next closest neighbor (extra wrath if you are happy, not depressed like CN and enjoy your life. LOL.). Add successful - and he is just a powder keg. Besides, if you sued him, he might lose his only asset, his house - and if he has kids, that is a moral dilemma on your part. I suppose if you are feeling generous.........but the option is ALWAYS there to pursue legal options....... depending on how far CN wants to push.......Lots of relevant precedent on this - interesting topic, I agree, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would try kicking him out the condo, mental illness or not. It is a disturbance to all living there.

And get sued? You must have extra deep pockets. People would be smart to MYOB and stay far, far OUT of it.

[Anonymous]

Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

No. The situation does not have to be dire to call the police. If someone is breaking the law and not someone you can reason with, call the cops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

I lived above a mentally ill woman who terrorized our family. She would bang on our floors (her ceiling) at all hours of the night, scream, yell and make our lives miserable. She called us racist, she said we were spying on her... of course, she would stop when the cops were called. She was also black. You are saying that since she was 'a person of color' we should not have called the cops? It got so bad that she threatened to kill me (I was in elementary school) but the cops could never do anything about it since they didn't witness it. We had to hire a lawyer and go after the HOA until they did something about the woman (who was a renter, not owner like the OP's person was). I know this thread is years old but saying not to call the cops b/c of someone's skin color is BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

No. The situation does not have to be dire to call the police. If someone is breaking the law and not someone you can reason with, call the cops.

Yes. But "not liking someone" is not reason enough. It happens. The police are well are this happens.

[Anonymous]

*aware

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

No. The situation does not have to be dire to call the police. If someone is breaking the law and not someone you can reason with, call the cops.

Yes. But "not liking someone" is not reason enough. It happens. The police are well are this happens.

The examples in this thread all seem like legitimate reasons to call the cops. If someone was beating on my wall or my floor (their ceiling) and screaming at me during the middle of the night you can bet I would call the cops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

No. The situation does not have to be dire to call the police. If someone is breaking the law and not someone you can reason with, call the cops.

Yes. But "not liking someone" is not reason enough. It happens. The police are well are this happens.

The examples in this thread all seem like legitimate reasons to call the cops. If someone was beating on my wall or my floor (their ceiling) and screaming at me during the middle of the night you can bet I would call the cops.

Beating on your wall or door or screaming at you in the middle of the night? Does this happen to you often?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this neighbor a person of color? If so, do not call the cops on them. They could be brutalized by the police or killed. Is that worth you not dealing with some noise? I would also mention that to other neighbors who are regularly calling the cops on this person.

+1

Police should only be called in dire circumstances. Not for petty "annoyances". It can be used against you, OP - especially if you involve other neighbors.

No. The situation does not have to be dire to call the police. If someone is breaking the law and not someone you can reason with, call the cops.

Yes. But "not liking someone" is not reason enough. It happens. The police are well are this happens.

The examples in this thread all seem like legitimate reasons to call the cops. If someone was beating on my wall or my floor (their ceiling) and screaming at me during the middle of the night you can bet I would call the cops.

Beating on your wall or door or screaming at you in the middle of the night? Does this happen to you often?

It happened to me once during the middle of the night, when I was living in an apartment. Somebody banged so hard on our door that it woke the neighbor across the hall up and that neighbor called the cops. Turns out the guy had the wrong apartment....

In a townhouse we lived in a strange drunk/high(?) guy wandered into our house during the late hours.

I could go on. But you get the point. If you are worried enough about the situation - call the cops.

[Anonymous]

Some are legitimate (though one time) scares. Often, it can be harassment or worse. Tread carefully, and be extra careful about who you drag into it.