Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors – And When Not To

As a Bellingham renter, one of the most problematic things to deal with is bad neighbors. There might be a time when you have to report your neighbors to the police. Due to the significance of the decision and the many aspects that must be taken into account, it should not be made lightly. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some reasons why you might want to report your neighbors to the cops along with a few instances where you shouldn’t. If and when the need arises, this knowledge will enable you to contact law enforcement in an informed manner.

Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

It’s preferable to try to resolve common conflicts with your neighbors directly. There are several things you can do to end the conflict amicably, such as discussing it with them or offering a solution.

But, there are specific situations as well where you must contact the police. Including:

• Threats are made against you or your rental property by your neighbors.
• Your neighbors routinely enter your property without permission and/or damage it.
• You feel unsafe because of the actions your neighbors take that are dangerous, violent, or rude.
• Your neighbors are involved in crime.
• Late at night, your neighbors are severely disturbing you (e.g., loud music) and continue to do so despite your requests for them to stop.
• You notice smoke or flames coming from within the house, hear gunshots, or have other reasons to think that your neighbors may be in danger.

In these cases, it is necessary to contact the police or another relevant authority and allow them to deal with the issue. Not only can they help defuse the situation, but making a police report may be vital for your protection. Due to a lack of experience or expertise, trying to intervene could also make things worse.

Reasons Not to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

You must carefully consider the circumstances and ensure that you are not overreacting before contacting the police. It is best to initially try and talk things out with your neighbors if they just hold different beliefs or lifestyles than you.

Keeping in mind that the police can be a source of authority and power, it is crucial to exercise that power appropriately. It is not advisable to call the police on your neighbors for minor disagreements or circumstances beyond their control (e.g., loud children). You may want to reach out to your Bellingham property manager first, if they know your neighbors and can reach an agreement. You should not contact the police in the following circumstances as well:

• If your neighbors have a dispute with one another or with someone else, this could lead to an unwarranted escalation of the problem.
• Your neighbors generate little annoyances, such as parking on the street close to your residence.
• Your neighbor’s yard is filled with unsightly items like trash or thick weeds. If you reside in an HOA, you should report this to them rather than the police.
• Even though you disagree with their actions, they are neither violent, threatening, nor against the law.
• Your neighbors are sometimes noisy (e.g., holding a small gathering or game night), but they aren’t breaking any laws.

It’s critical to think about all the different variables and how they might affect both you and your neighbors before deciding whether or not to report your neighbors to the police. Furthermore, if you decide to approach law authorities, you should inform your landlord of the circumstance. Renters must keep in mind that having good neighbor connections is key to having a satisfying rental experience.

Maybe it’s time to start again if you’ve tried everything here and still can’t live happily with your existing neighbors. Real Property Management Teyata has excellent listings in popular locations, and we would be thrilled to help you in finding your new home. Browse our listings online today!