My tenant’s moving out because neighbor threw fireworks at her

My tenant’s moving out because neighbor threw fireworks at her

Rental Property Investor · Portland, OR · Member since 2015 · 338 posts · 332 votes

My tenant informed me today that she’s moving out because she doesn’t feel safe anymore. The neighbor tenant shot large fireworks from his yard directly over into/above my property, and when she walked over to ask him to stop, before she said anything, he threw fireworks over his fence directly at her.

She called cops, report was taken, cops left, then neighbor came down my property’s driveway and threatened my tenant. She left to sleep at a friend’s house, and when she returned in the morning, her front door was broken into and evidence of fireworks was left in my yard on the grass. (She rents land and lives in her own tiny house on wheels.)

Now she’s too afraid to live there and is moving out. Cop said that neighbor’s threatening is grounds for 24 hour eviction. Neighbor is on probation for drunk driving and has a record of battery. The landlord says his tenant has always been courteous and friendly and doesn’t believe that his tenant threatened my tenant and doesn’t seem to want to evict.

I’m concerned about potential future losses (both income and property damage) and want neighbor tenant evicted.

What can I do? Damage happened to my tenant’s property (her tiny house on wheels) but it could have started a fire. I also am suffering income losses as a result. What could I do that would compel the landlord to evict? 

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Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2018 · 87 posts · 53 votes
8y

@Account Closed This is a sticky situation. Remind the tenet that this isn't grounds to break the lease, and that there is a process to get rid of people like the next door neighbor. comfort her and tell her the police will take care of it and if it needs to get civil urge her to take action. Remind her to follow up with the police about the incident and check with the department to see if your tenet can get on a patrol list. This maybe enough to comfort her. Hope that helps!

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  • Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 930 votes
    8y

    You have a police report indicating threatening behavior. That should be enough. Sue your neighbor.

  • Mike CumbieBusiness Member
    REALTOR® · Brockport, NY · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    8y

    @Account Closed

    If you choose to let your tenant our of her lease it is up to you. The situation itself is a police issue, not a landlord issue. You can't really tell your neighbor who they can have rent their property. You are able to sue in a civil court, but you were not there and your only version of the story is from your tenant who is hooking up and pulling her house out of there. 

  • Lender · Houston, TX · Member since 2018 · 87 posts · 53 votes
    8y

    @Account Closed This is a sticky situation. Remind the tenet that this isn't grounds to break the lease, and that there is a process to get rid of people like the next door neighbor. comfort her and tell her the police will take care of it and if it needs to get civil urge her to take action. Remind her to follow up with the police about the incident and check with the department to see if your tenet can get on a patrol list. This maybe enough to comfort her. Hope that helps!

  • Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    I believe that your tenant would need to sue the other tenant if she even wanted to stay, which if she feels threatened could be unlikely.  The best course of action might be to encourage your tenant to press charges if that is an option.  It will depend on how the fireworks were "thrown" and if there is significant evidence that the neighbor is the one who broke in.

  • Rental Property Investor · Portland, OR · Member since 2015 · 338 posts · 332 votes
    8y

    Maybe if you’re a guy, “comfort” would be enough to get you to stay, but as a woman who has felt threatened herself, I would never try to convince someone to stay in a dangerous situation. She shouldn’t have to press charges etc, especially if she can just leave. 

    Her agreement is weekly and she’s free to go. My concern is the potential future liability of the neighbors, both in terms of damage to my property and also if future tenants move out as a result. It’s a good neighborhood, and no one should have to tolerate that behavior. 

    I am a mandatory reporter and have already had to call child protective services on them in the past. The neighbor is on probation for drunk driving and has a record of battery.

  • Walnut Creek, CA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y

    Can you not get a restraining order or similar as the property owner? Then notify (if you can) the other landlord as it's likely breaking some part of the lease....

  • Lender · Portland, OR · Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 8 votes
    8y

    Hey Dani, really sorry to hear this happened. Was this in Lents? I'm around all day tomorrow if you want to reach out.

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