Neighbor shot a shotgun through the wall into my teanants bath

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Neighbor shot a shotgun through the wall into my teanants bath

Ryan Thomas
Flipper/Rehabber · NC · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes

My tenant called me today to let me know her neighbor shot a shotgun through the wall into the bathroom (this is a condo. I haven't had a chance to go by yet but it seems like the only damage is to the walls, but at the same time if my tenant had been sitting on the toilet, she would have most likely been killed. From what I understand, the next door neighbor keeps a loaded shotgun and a 16 year old was visiting nextdoor and accidentally shot it in the middle of the night (most likely a bs story).  Ive also recent learned there are 7 people living there and they are "sketchy" according to my tenant.

My tenant doesn't want to press charges. Does anyone have advice what I should do? 

How to approach the owner next door about evicting these tenants?

Does the damage go through the next door neighbors insurance?

Is there any advantage to me pressing charges? Disadvantages would be wasting my time in court, etc.)

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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
7y

She needs to call the cops and report it, even if she doesn't want to press charges, they need to know.

How much damage is there?

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  • Karl B.
    Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y

    I'd go to the condo board and tell them what happened. They'll likely contact the condo owner and tell him/her this is unacceptable. 

    I would get a quote for the repair and submit that to the condo board as well. I'm assuming the next door owner will be mortified and pay the damages/have his/her insurance or the renter's insurance (if the renter has renter's insurance) take care of it. 

    In the event damages aren't paid (rather unlikely) whether it's small claims or a different court depends on the amount of damages. 

    I'm glad your tenant is alright.

    1Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    She needs to call the cops and report it, even if she doesn't want to press charges, they need to know.

    How much damage is there?

    7Reply
  • Damaso Bautista
    Rental Property Investor · Hawthorne, CA · Member since 2018 · 655 posts · 900 votes
    7y

    @Ryan Thomas

    I agree with @Theresa Harris on this one.  I think you need to call the police and make a report at minimum.  

    1Reply
  • Robert Fornwalt
    New Boston, MI · Member since 2016 · 54 posts · 31 votes
    7y

    I'd think you would have to call the police to make a report. I'm sure your insurance will ask for one.

    0Reply
  • Tchaka Owen
    Real Estate Agent · Merritt Island, FL · Member since 2017 · 986 posts · 1k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Damaso Bautista:

    @Ryan Thomas

    I agree with @Theresa Harris on this one.  I think you need to call the police and make a report at minimum.  

    When someone from Hawthorne's telling you to call the police, you need to listen! >:-)

    Seriously though, I agree with both posters. They might not want to involve the police, however they aren't the owners. It's clear from what you've written that the neighbors aren't the most responsible. This will help ensure that they responsibly pay for the damages to be repaired. Good luck!

    1Reply
  • Chris Szepessy
    Catskill, NY · Member since 2018 · 636 posts · 668 votes
    7y

    I can't believe none of the neighbors heard the gunshot and called the police. Your tenant definitely needs to call them and get a report. Your tenant doesn't need to press charges...just let the police make the decision on what they want to do. If you plan to go through insurance, you will most likely need a report. And like someone else said, notify the condo board and let them deal with the owner of the other unit. 

    0Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    Report to the police, report to the board, and report to the neighboring Landlord (if able).

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    1Reply
  • Matt P.
    Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2015 · 625 posts · 601 votes
    7y

    @Ryan Thomas wow so someone shot a hole through the bathroom wall and your Tennant didnt think to call the cops? Wild.

    0Reply
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