Best Tactic for a Eyesore-ish Neighbor

[Matt Alvino]

Hello all,

I have a 4-family property on a very small block. Only 5 houses on the entire block. The neighbor across the street is a single-family home, but the house is set back all the way on the alley. So they have a big exposed front yard that borders the alley access and has a tall chain-link fence around the entire yard. There is a lot going on in that yard. Kid stuff (i.e. trampoline, playsets) as well as random storage, that would typically be found in a backyard. It's not a full on junkyard, but its close and definitely not a pleasant view.

A potential tenant recently backed out of the process after seeing the neighbor's yard. My question(s), what is the best means to handle this?

- A conversation with the homeowner (possible renter)? This feels like the right thing to do, but curious if this opens up issues if it doesn't go well.

- A letter to the homeowner?

- Go straight to the city to lodge a complaint? 

-Something else?

Thank you.