RENTAL HOUSE BECAME A NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE

DEAR BOB: A few months ago, a neighbor sold her house to a buyer who said he was going to live in the residence. Instead, he rented the house. The people he rented to moved in about 20 extra people. The place is a mess. Is there anything we neighbors can do? --Mildred W.

DEAR MILDRED: Yes. You have either a private nuisance affecting only a few adjoining neighbors or a public nuisance affecting a large number of nearby residents.

Your first step should be to contact the landlord, politely explain the situation, and ask him to abate the nuisance, which is disturbing the neighborhood. Maybe he is not aware of the situation.

If that doesn't work, then legal action may be required. You can bring a private nuisance abatement action against the owner to remove the nuisance. However, before you do that, check with local officials to learn if any city or county occupancy ordinances are being violated.

If you discover there is a maximum occupancy limit, then ask the city or county attorney to step in to abate a public nuisance that violates a local ordinance.

(For more information on Bob Bruss publications, visit his
Real Estate Center).

Copyright 2006 Inman News