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

Being a Wilmington tenant, dealing with disagreeable neighbors is one of the more challenging issues to face. There might come a time when you need to contact the cops about your neighbors. Given all the important considerations, this choice shouldn’t be taken lightly. We’ll discuss multiple reasons why you might want to report your neighbors to the police in this blog post, as well as those instances where you shouldn’t. This information will assist you in making an informed decision if and when it becomes necessary to call local police officers.

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.

There are, however, special cases in which you must contact the police. These consist of:

• Your neighbors threaten you and your rental property.
• Your neighbors regularly infringe against your property and/or engage in vandalism.
• Your neighbors participate in hazardous, violent, or reckless behavior that makes you feel unsafe.
• Your neighbors engage in unlawful behavior.
• Late at night, your neighbors are causing major disruption (e.g., loud music) and refuse to cease when asked.
• 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.

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. If your neighbors just have various opinions or ways of life than you, it is advisable to attempt to resolve differences with them first.

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). You may want to reach out to your Wilmington 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:

• There may be an unnecessarily rapid escalation of the problem if your neighbors are fighting with one another or another person.
• 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. The HOA, not the police, should be contacted if you live in a community association.
• Your neighbors partake in conduct that you personally disagree with but is neither violent, harmful, or criminal.
• Even though they aren’t breaking any laws, your neighbors are occasionally loud (e.g., when hosting a casual meeting or game night).

It is crucial to take all relevant factors into account and how they can impact both you and your neighbors before choosing whether or not to report your neighbors to the police. However, if you do decide to contact police enforcement, be careful to also alert your landlord of the issue. As a renter, it is imperative to keep in mind that establishing strong ties with your neighbors is an integral aspect 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 Champion has excellent listings in popular locations, and we would be thrilled to help you in finding your new home. Browse our listings online today!