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

One of the more challenging aspects of being a Spokane Valley renter is dealing with bad neighbors. You might need to report your neighbors to the police at some point. This choice should not be made hastily because there are many things to take into account. In this blog post, we’ll go over several reasons why you might want to report your neighbors to the police as well as some instances where you shouldn’t. This knowledge will allow you to make a well-informed decision if and when the time finally comes to contact local police authorities.

Reasons to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

You should strive to resolve common issues with your neighbors directly. There are different things you can do to end the conflict amicably, such as engaging in discussion with them or making a concession.

There are, however, special cases in which you must contact the police. Included are:

• Your neighbors are making threats against you and your rental property.
• Your neighbors regularly infringe against your property and/or engage in vandalism.
• Your neighbors participate in risky or aggressive behavior, which makes you feel uneasy.
• It’s illegal what your neighbors do.
• Your neighbors are generating a significant disruption late at night (e.g., loud music) and will not cease despite your requests.
• You may have reason to suspect that your neighbors require assistance if you hear gunshots, witness smoke or flames coming from within the house, or have other proof.

It is imperative to contact the police or any relevant authority in these circumstances and give control over to them. They can assist in defusing the situation, but it can also be important to report the crime to protect your safety. Due to a lack of experience or expertise, you could also make problems worse by attempting to intervene.

Reasons Not to Call the Police on Your Neighbors

Before calling the police, it is necessary to assess the situation and ensure that you are not overreacting. It is advisable to try and talk things out with your neighbors first, especially if they have different beliefs or lifestyles from yours.

Also, it is crucial to keep in mind that the police can be a source of authority and power, making it imperative to exercise that power appropriately. For small problems or circumstances beyond your neighbors’ control, it is not a good idea to call the police (e.g., loud children). If your Spokane Valley property manager has a rapport with your neighbors and can mediate the matter, you might want to contact them first. Additional circumstances in which contacting the police is not advised include:

• If your neighbors are arguing with one another or with someone else, the conflict may unnecessarily escalate.
• Slight annoyances are caused by your neighbors, such as when they park on the street in front of your house.
• There are unsightly items in your neighbors’ yards, such as trash or thick weeds. This is a problem that you should report to your HOA, not the police, if you live in one.
• Although they are not violent, threatening, or illegal, your neighbors engage in actions that you find objectionable.
• Although they don’t breach any laws, your neighbors are occasionally noisy (e.g., when hosting a small gathering or game night).

Consider all the variables and how they might influence both you and your neighbors before determining whether or not to report your neighbors to the police. In addition, if you do decide to notify police authorities, be sure to inform your landlord of the incident as well. As a renter, it is necessary to remember that maintaining strong connections with your neighbors is a core part of a positive renting experience.

Maybe it’s time to start over if you’ve tried everything here and still can’t live happily next door to your existing neighbors. Real Property Management Spokane County has outstanding listings in attractive areas, and we would be happy to assist you in choosing your new home. Browse our listings online today!