Landlord question - what to do about suspected drug dealer

[John Chang]

Hi, I am a landlord in Orange County, CA and at the beginning of the year I had a tenant move in and he seemed great and always pays on time. We never did do a background check but I believed him when he said he was a drug counselor. However, in the last month or so, I have had several neighbors complaining about him having people in and out of his unit, that they are outside in the parking lot at all hours of the day, they have seen needles on the ground, and they said they have seen cars coming into the complex with no license plates. All the other tenants have lived there for over 5 years or more, so I know that it is not them. I wrote a letter to all the neighbors that if they see suspicious people in the complex to call the police, as sort of a warning to him that the neighbors are watching. How do I proceed with this? I don't have actual proof he is doing anything wrong, but my other tenants are becoming worried about this and I would like this taken care of. Any advice? Thanks!

[David Dachtera]

Give what evidence you do have to the authorities. Go to them, do NOT call from home or anywhere you might be overheard.

Let THEM do the investigating.

Do ONLY what you need to do as a landlord / property manager. ANYthing you discover, report it to the authorities.

You are NOT law enforcement! Don't try to act like it!

Be a good citizen and report your evidence, if / when you have any.

Be a good landlord / property manager and enforce the terms of the lease.