Visitor Problems

Started by MichaelD28 • 7 replies • 828 views

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MichaelD28 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Hi,
I’m my association we have a renter (a single male) who has frequent “visitors” who appear quite sketchy. I put visitors in quotes because most of their “visits” occur when the renter is not there. They come and go, apparently with full access to the unit, and have equally frequent and sketchy “visitors” of their own. The owner of the unit does not live locally and seems quite satisfied with the arrangement as long as she gets her rent each month.
Our main concern is crime. Our neighborhood is quite remote and otherwise enjoys the absence of any through-traffic.
Does anyone have any experience with, or suggestions on how to deal with this situation? It’s a degradation of the quality and character of a nice neighborhood.
We’re not gated and they don’t run afoul of guest parking rules.
Thank you all!
Mike D.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Call the police if there is illegal stuff going on. Otherwise it's a free country. Your suspicions or "how things look" is your problem to put it bluntly. You have no proof anything illegal is going on. Plus if you called the police they would have to be basically in the front yard or in full view of the police doing "illegal" things.

Basically, you have a renter who ya don't like. If they violate the HOA rules, then punish the owner for it. It's up to the owner to take action then.

I used to be Neighborhood Watch captain. So understand the frustrations one feels in this situation. However, just got to be honest too. You got an annoying neighbor. Get to know them or ignore them.

Former HOA President

CarolF (Florida)
Posts: 435

Posted:

Have you looked on AirBnb, and other short term rental websites to see if the house is being rented out by the renter?

MichaelD28 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Nope. The renter is not sub-letting. He’s basically giving free-run of the place to friends when he’s not around, and then friends of the friends, etc.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Somebody has to check on the ...plants....

BenA2 (Texas)
Posts: 1,273

Posted:

I can't think of any recourse you would have as long as they are following the rules.

If you think there may be something illegal, I would call the police. I disagree that they have to see illegal activity to do anything. I am a retired police officer and these type homes were not uncommon where I worked. One of the things we looked for was short-term traffic in which visitors would stop by for five or ten minutes. That was usually a sign of selling drugs or something else illegal and there are many ways the police can confirm their suspicions.

If it is just a lot of friends and acquaintances hanging out, the renter is within his rights.

MichaelD28 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Thanks BenA2. Another resident just installed a very nice ADT camera system that will hopefully capture and document the kind of traffic you’re referring to. They did this installation in response to a stolen vehicle.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Similar problem here, MichaelD28. Can't do anything unless someone actually witnesses a crime and reports it to the police, or if the visitors are breaking rules, creating a nuisance or violating covenants. They also need their plants checked but that's not up to us.

Many of our neighbors don't like "those people" living here and constantly whine that "there must be something we can do!" No matter how many times you try to explain if to these owners they simply refuse to take "no" for an answer. You have to figure out how to live with the situation.

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