Baltimore - crime is rental area

[Andrea McCants]

My husband and I own a few rental properties in Baltimore (fairly newbie investors).

The tenant in one of our properties has been calling us lately complaining about drug dealers on her block. She doesn't want to call 311. I even offered to call 311 for her; she just needs to tell me when but she's scared.

Yesterday she asked if we can put a high fence up for her; we're researching, but looks like it won't be allowed.

I'm starting to lose sleep over this and wanted to know if any has experienced this and how best to handle.

Thanks

[Andrew Syrios]

One of the important things to know when you're a landlord is which battles are yours and which aren't. You can't fix the neighborhood for her and you really shouldn't have to make additions to the property to make them feel safer at your expense. After all, they chose to rent the place. This is especially true since she won't call 311. The police are the proper one's to deal with this situation and if she's not willing to call them, she's really not willing to help herself and is trying to make her problem your problem.